Tea tree oil: Cutaneous effects of the extracted oil of Melaleuca alternifolia

Glen H. Crawford, Joslyn R. Sciacca, William D. James

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

50 Scopus citations

Abstract

The use of botanical extracts for their perceived therapeutic benefits has gained increased popularity in this country and abroad. In particular, tea tree oil (the extracted oil of Melaleuca alternifolia) has gained widespread use for its purported antimicrobial and therapeutic effects. In parallel with this increased use is an expanding series of reported adverse effects, including allergic contact dermatitis, systemic contact dermatitis, linear immunoglobulin A disease, erythema multiforme-like id reactions, and systemic hypersensitivity reactions. We present a review of tea tree oil with regard to its history, chemistry, purported medicinal uses, and possible adverse cutaneous effects.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)59-66
Number of pages8
JournalDermatitis
Volume15
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Jun 2004

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Immunology and Allergy
  • Dermatology

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