Tea Tree Oil For Perioral Skin Condition

By: Courtney Brown


Tea tree oil for perioral dermatitis is one of the most effective ways to treat this painful and embarrassing condition. This is an affliction related to acne that effects the area around the mouth or eyes. The condition usually presents with red papules that may burn, or in some cases, itch.

Perioral dermatitis usually affects women or children, rarely men. It is thought to be caused by some kinds of cosmetics that contain paraffin or petrolatum, substances that hold water. In children, it is more likely related to sunscreens which use a similar base.

Other causes may include toothpaste containing fluoride or continuous irritation from friction, wind or sunlight. In cultures done on some patients, fusiform spirilla bacteria and candida species of fungi have been found in the papules. It may also be that hormone changes from oral contraceptives or menstruation are a factor.

Tea tree oil, made from the leaves of the melaleuca alternifoliate plant has been shown to be an effective antibiotic and antifungal. This plant, traditionally used by the Bundjalung people of eastern Australia, has many medicinal properties. For example, the Bundjalung use the crushed leaves to treat coughs and colds. They also have recognized it's antiseptic properties and has used it to treat wounds to prevent infection.

Ever since the 1920s, Western medicine has recognized the antimicrobial value of tea tree oil. After WWII however, the commercial production of artificial antibiotics gained popularity over natural products. Production diminished significantly until the 1970's when natural products gained favor again.

Recent scientific studies of melaleuca oil have shown that the active ingredient terpinen-4-ol is at least as effective as benzoyl peroxide against acne. Studies have also shown that it is very effective for some staph infections. For certain kinds of methicillin-resistant staph infections, it may even be more effective than pharmaceutical grade antibiotics.

This essential oil can also be an irritant to the skin in its concentrated form. It is recommended to use a topical product containing 5% tea tree oil for the treatment of skin conditions of the face. Tee tree oil can be mixed with grapeseed or other oil to dilute its potency.

The oil of the melaleuca alternifoliate plant is a wonderfully useful antiseptic. It will kill bacteria and fungi on contact. It may be a better alternative than some pharmaceutical products for certain kinds of infections. In particular, it has a great effect on perioral dermatitis. It should always be considered, however, that if the condition is persistent or if it spreads or gets worse, that a doctor should be consulted.




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