The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
Dermatitis
Posted by Shannon (Stillwater, OK) on 04/21/2008
★★★★★
I have been battling perioral dermatitis for about 6 months. I went to a dermatologist and was put on minocycline, which did clear it up. After 3 months of taking the medication, my doctor put me on doxycycline, due to concerns about negative side effects of long term use of minocycline. I could not tolerate the doxycycline, it made me nauseous and just made me feel weird, so I quit taking it and decided to look for a natural treatment. I found this website and began using a combination of remedies. I began taking pro-biotics, and evening primrose oil. I began washing my face with apple cider vinegar and baking soda. I also used evening primrose oil topically on the area of dermatitis. It seemed to be ok, until I got a cold. The area of dermatitis is around my nose, and blowing my nose constantly while I had the cold irritated it. The dermatitis began to spread.
I found a post somewhere about using tea tree oil. I had an old jar of Desert Essence Tea Tree ointment, so I began using it. I have used it for 4 days now, keeping the area covered constantly with the ointment, and the dermatitis is almost gone! It looks as good as it did when I was on minocycline. I think the probiotics and evening primrose capsules that I am taking may be helping too, but the tea tree oil was my "magic bullet." I have noticed that when I drink alcohol, the area becomes more inflamed. I'm not sure if this is due to dehydration, or the destruction of healthy bacteria in the intestinal tract.
I want to mention too that I have been under a great amount of stress, trying to finish grad school,and the dermatitis appeared during this time. I really believe stress and unhealthy eating habits/drinking alcohol contributed to the problem.
I hope this helps someone else out there. I love this website!
Dermatitis
Posted by Pik (Singapore) on 02/17/2010
★★★★★
I was diagnosed with Rosacea and given Rosex Gel which didn't work. Then another doc said I had perioral dermatitis which would take months to clear and gave me minocyclin (potentially for 3 months!) Alarmed by this prospect, I googled and came across this site and read about how Tea Tree Oil has helped some people with Perioral Dermatitis. Lo and behold! A few days into the treatment and my red pimply spots stopped spreading and began drying out. It looked bad because the skin of the affected areas was very dry and flaking off in large pieces by a week later, I was cured!! Now what is left is slight hyperpigmentation (scarring due to the pimples?) but barely noticeable. Thank you to all who posted this fantastic cure.
Herpes
Posted by Gary D (Brisbane, Queensland, Australia) on 02/26/2010
With tea tree oil it depends what concentration you use. For Herpes it is best if you swab it on using a cotton bud and at 50 - 100% pure and when the sores are there.
NOTE* It is going to sting like crazy so have a fan ready and sit in front of it so it dries quickly.
If you swab it 4 times a day for 3 days, I have seen where herpes has not returned. if you do not sit in front of a fan, be prepared to run around for 30 sec or so until the stinging goes away, but the result is worth it.. I did see older men put a couple of drops in the bath to stop heat and rashes. So it seems like it is good for lesions.
Hidradenitis
Posted by Tina (Indianapolis, IN) on 12/28/2007
★★★★★
I was Diagnosed with hidradenitis July 06' I have had terrible breakouts in the groin area from my bikini area to my anal area. I have tried everything to stop the breakouts, even bathing 3 or more times a day nothing has worked. Recently I went to a local natural food store and read a natural remedy book were it stated Tea Tree oil, pure tea tree oil will take out the staph from boils and soothe the pain. I tried it several times so far so good. It has a scent of eucalyptus and the same drying action like alcohol. So far it works
Skin Tags
Posted by Carolyn (Hobbs, Nm, Usa) on 10/01/2009
What is a skin tag? Is it like a big brown flat mole? Thanks, Carolyn
Toxic to Cats and Dogs
Posted by Craig (Cumberland, MD) on 11/06/2007
★☆☆☆☆WARNING!
Tea tree oil is toxic to dogs and cats. It is readliy absorbed through the skin and can cause breakdown of the nervous system, resulting in shock, hypothermia, and death. I know because I accidently poisoned my dog by putting about a teaspoon of tea tree oil on a tick bite. Hours later she couldn't stand, was disoriented, and shivering. I gave her activated charcoal by mouth and bathed her and rubeed the spot with activated charcoal. She got better quickly after the charcoal, and the vet said she was lucky. Do not use Tea Tre Oil.
Toxic to Cats and Dogs
Posted by Jen (Maple Falls, WA) on 10/28/2008
Thanks to Craig from MD about the warning of tea tree oil being toxic to animals. I used it on my dog, and he reacted the same way Craig's did; and though I treated him for shock and hypothermia, I did not know about the charcoal. It really works to stop the toxic reaction!
Toxic to Cats and Dogs
Posted by Linda (West Newfield, Maine) on 10/29/2008
What you say is interesting; a teaspoon is a LOT...I've had success with just a few drops of tea tree around the spot where the tick's head is burrowed and within a few days it has dropped off.
Jock Itch
Posted by Keisha (Baguio, Philippines) on 10/27/2012
may I ask where you bought tea tree oil here in the philippines?
Tea Tree Oil Feedback
Posted by Shellie (Grass Valley, Ca) on 03/21/2016
I would love more information. I tried it for a few weeks then switched to apple cider vinegar. TTO seemed better. Maybe I quit too soon. Help!!
