Contents:
- Medical Video: Benefits & Dangers of Tea Tree Oil
- The content of tea tree oil and its benefits for eczema
- So, is tea tree oil effective for treating eczema?
- How to use?
- 1. Check the packaging
- 2. Mix with solvent oil
- 3. Check allergies first
Medical Video: Benefits & Dangers of Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is one of the essential oils that has many benefits to overcome various skin problems, including eczema. However, how effective is tea tree oil to treat eczema? Is it safe?
The content of tea tree oil and its benefits for eczema
Quoted from Healthline, various ingredients in tea tree oil have the potential to be a natural way of treating eczema. Tea tree oil is armed with anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antibacterial and antiseptic properties to relieve the symptoms of eczema and reduce the risk of spreading infection to the other parts of the skin.
This tree oil also contains antioxidants to help protect the skin from free radicals, which can trigger or aggravate the symptoms of eczema.
So, is tea tree oil effective for treating eczema?
Still quoting Healthline, various studies have shown that tea tree oil is effective for you as a natural alternative to treat eczema. A 2011 study found that tea tree oil turned out to be far more effective in reducing eczema symptoms than using topical drugs containing zinc oxide, clobetasone butyrate, or ichthammol.
The study reinforces reports from a previous 2004 issue of research, which reported that tea tree oil was effective in treating eczema in dogs after 10 days of routine use compared to other skin care creams.
However, until now there have been no studies that show that tea tree oil is effective for treating eczema in infants. Therefore, you should first consult your doctor before using it on your little one.
How to use?
Before applying it directly to the affected skin, it is important to follow the steps below:
1. Check the packaging
Choose organic tea tree oil, 100% pure without preservatives or any chemical additives. Then, read the label of the composition and take the product containing the latin name of the tea tree Melaleuca alternifolia. Do not choose oil from other Melaleuca tree species.
In addition, choose oil that lists the concentration of interest. Terpinen is the main antiseptic agent in tea tree oil. Choose oils with terpinene concentrations of 10-40 percent.
2. Mix with solvent oil
Tea tree oil which is directly applied to the skin can make eczema symptoms worse because of its drying properties.
So beforehand you have to mix it with volatile solvent oil, like olive oil, coconut oil, or sunflower seed oil. In the container, mix 1-2 drops of tea tree oil with 12 drops of your choice of solvent oil.
3. Check allergies first
To avoid an allergic reaction, you need to test it first by applying just a little oil on the back of your hand (who does not experience symptoms of eczema). Let stand for 24 hours and see the development.
If your skin is fine, you can use tea tree oil to treat eczema. If then skin irritation is indicated by:
- Skin redness rash.
- Dry skin.
- Itchy skin.
- Swollen skin
Stop using immediately. This means you are indeed sensitive to tea tree essential oils.
