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How Do I Use Tea Tree Oil for Eczema?

By Meshell Powell
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 47,312
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Many people use tea tree oil for eczema, and it may be a safe solution for many who desire a natural treatment option for this skin condition. Tea tree oil can cause skin irritation, so it is important to dilute it before use and avoid contact with any of the mucous membranes of the body. Several skin conditions may cause symptoms that resemble those of eczema, so a medical professional should be consulted in order to ensure an accurate diagnosis and confirm that it's safe to use tea tree for the individual situation.

When using tea tree oil to treat eczema, adding a few drops of the oil to warm bath water is perhaps the most common treatment method. Generally, about 10 drops of oil are added to the bath water. Some people also like to add a little olive oil, although this is not necessary because the oil is sufficiently diluted by the bath water. Oil baths can be repeated up to three times per day to soothe pain and itching and may help to dry up any open or oozing sores.

Another possible use of tea tree oil for eczema is to add a few drops to a favorite moisturizer. The mixture should be stirred thoroughly before each use and may be applied three to four times each day. Some commercial skin creams and moisturizers already have tea tree oil added. When purchasing moisturizing creams, those containing alcohol should be avoided because alcohol has a negative drying effect on the skin.

A few drops of tea tree oil can also be added to a carrier oil, such as olive or almond. A cotton ball is then saturated with the mixture and applied directly to areas of skin affected by eczema. This formulation is usually applied to the skin twice per day until the outbreak clears up.

Most people can safely use this product, although skin irritation or allergic reactions are possible. This form of treatment should not be used as a substitute for traditional medical care. A dermatologist is a doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of skin disorders and is qualified to assist patients in creating an individualized eczema treatment plan.

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Discussion Comments
By anon923946 — On Jan 01, 2014

I had a bad case of eczema, then a friend from my meditation group recommended a concoction of three essential oils. I mainly use Coconut oil, but I also use Melaleuca a.k.a. Tea Tree and Lavender. I've had this problem for a while now, and out of all the things that I've tried, the essential oils work the best.

However, I strongly believe in the brand that I use, which is called "doh Terra." I don't know why, but all of their essential oils can be safely ingested. Anyway, my problem areas are my cheeks, brow and forehead. My skin gets very irritated, dry and flaky, especially during the winter. So I also use soaps with essential oils. I have a bar of soap, that has Tea Tree oil, salt, etc., and a similar one with lavender. After showering, I apply coconut oil over the problem areas. I might also apply a small dab of lotion with aloe vera on the problem areas, too.

Then in the morning, after washing my face, or if I have any extra problems, I use my friend's concoction. It's a small green vial with three drops of Tea Tree, two drops of lavender and the rest is coconut oil.

So anyway, I've been using everything for a month now, and I've used less than a quarter of it.

By burcidi — On Nov 14, 2013

@SarahGen-- As far as I know, tea tree oil is not safe to use during pregnancy. There are actually contradictory statements about it. A friend told me it would be fine if I diluted it but my doctor told me to avoid it. I think it's better to be safe than sorry so I did not use tea tree oil at all during my pregnancy.

Even when I'm not pregnant, I have to be careful when I use this oil for eczema because it irritates my skin and if I have any cracks or sores, it burns a lot. I have to use a dropper and add only one or two drops to a small bottle of olive oil before I use it. I also don't apply it everywhere. I soak a cotton ball in the oil and only wipe areas where the eczema is.

By SarahGen — On Nov 14, 2013

Is it okay to use tea tree oil for eczema during pregnancy?

My eczema breakouts have become more frequent now that I'm pregnant. I can't use prescription creams. Can I use tea tree oil? Is it safe?

By fBoyle — On Nov 13, 2013

Tea tree oil and oregano oil are two oils that I use regularly for my eczema. They both have antibacterial properties and help sores heal like the article said. Tea tree oil is also great for itching.

I usually use tea tree oil in the bath because it's very diluted in bath water and it doesn't not cause irritation whatsoever. If I'm going to apply the oil on my skin, I make sure to dilute it with a carrier oil like olive or almond and I try not to use too much.

My brother also has eczema and his affects his scalp. I recommended tea tree oil to him and he started putting a little bit in his shampoo. The last time we spoke, he told me that the tea tree oil is working and that he's doing much better now.

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