The tea tree grows mainly in Australia and Asia. It was used by the Australian aborigines for centuries to treat cuts and skin infections. According to the Mayo Clinic, tea tree oil is obtained through steam distillation of the leaves of the tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia). The oil can be used in lieu of creams or in addition to other medications to treat various medical conditions.
Fungal Infections
The University of Michigan Health System reports that 10% tea tree oil cream was as effective as antifungal medications when it came to improving the symptoms of athlete's foot. Also, more research showed that 100% tea tree oil applied topically was just as effective as using the antifungal medication clotrimazole for treating athlete's foot. Tea tree oil has been found to effectively treat onychomycosis, a fungal infection of the toe nails. According to the University of Michigan Health System, onychomycosis was effectively treated using a combination of 5% tea tree oil and 2% Mentax, which is a synthetic antifungal drug.
Acne
Studies have shown that tea tree oil has been as effective as using benzoyl peroxide in treating acne. Although tea tree oil takes a little longer to reach the same effect, it does not cause side effects that benzoyl peroxide does. The Mayo Clinic reports that tea tree oil is believed to be helpful in reducing the number of inflamed and non-inflamed lesions. However, you should always dilute tea tree oil with a little water or base oil (such as almond oil) before applying it directly to your skin.
Skin Conditions
According to the Mayo Clinic, tea tree oil applied to inflamed skin may reduce a histamine-induced inflammation. In addition, tea tree oil acts as an antibiotic and kills some types of bacteria that grow on the skin. These bacteria can invade open wounds or even cause ulcers and infections to develop on the skin. The University of Michigan Medical Center reports that the Staphylococcus aureus bacteria (staph infections) can be reduced and prevented by using a 5% solution of tea tree oil body wash.
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