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Health

What Are the Benefits of Tea Tree Oil for Skin?

By S. Gonzales
Updated May 17, 2024
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Tea tree oil for skin is antifungal, antibacterial, and antiseptic. This makes it an ideal solution to apply to skin that has had problems with bacteria accumulation and fungus infections, as well as other types of skin disorders. While tea tree oil is not approved by official medical associations, anecdotal evidence in fungus and bacterial infections make it a natural product used by many.

Some of the most common applications of tea tree oil for skin ailments include those that have to do with fungus infections and acne. Many individuals who want to try home remedies instead of spending money on expensive prescriptions with possible side effects apply tea tree oil to their nails if they are suffering from athlete's foot. Some users of tea tree oil may experience an alleviation of symptoms, but it is only after regular and lengthy application of the oil. In some cases, it may take months before the symptoms subside.

The bacteria associated with acne can also respond well to the application of tea tree oil. Many people who suffer from acne can find relief of pustules and pimples when the oil has been applied to the skin and spread across it on a regular basis. The oil may work because it kills bacteria that is associated with contributing to the formation of acne.

Those who suffer from vaginal infections can also try applying it to the area for a reduction in the discomfort associated with these types of infections. There may be a bit of a burning sensation during initial application. It can also clear up the effects of yeast infections, which can seem to be a constant experience for some women.

Those interested in using tea tree oil should be advised that ingesting it orally can lead to serious health problems. In addition, some people may experience mild irritation when applying tea tree oil on the skin. While tea tree oil is considered to be a great natural remedy by many people, medical professionals warn that there need to be more studies done regarding tea tree oil's efficacy in treating diseases and disorders of the skin.

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Discussion Comments

By bear78 — On Nov 14, 2013

My son is using diluted tea tree oil for his acne and I'm using it for a toenail fungal infection.

The oil is definitely working for my son's acne. I can see the pimples healing and his face is not as red as it used to be.

I'm sure that tea tree oil will work for me too but treating a fungal infection takes longer. I'm applying the oil to my toenail everyday. The infection should go away within a month.

By burcidi — On Nov 14, 2013

@ysmina-- Tea tree oil is usually used for skin infections. Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition and it's caused by the immune system, so tea tree oil won't cure it.

But the oil may help with itching and irritation that psoriasis causes. If your skin is very itchy, dry and flaky because of psoriasis, you can take a bath with a little bit of tea tree oil in it to relieve the itching.

Just don't use too much and don't apply the oil undiluted on your skin because it can be irritating when it's potent.

By ysmina — On Nov 13, 2013

Can tea tree oil help with psoriasis?

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