A comparative study of tea-tree oil versus benzoylperoxide in the treatment of acne.
Tea-tree oil (an essential oil of the Australian native tree Melaleuca alternifolia) has long been regarded as a useful topical antiseptic agent in Australia and has been shown to have a variety of antimicrobial activities; however, only anecdotal evidence exists for its efficacy in the treatment of various skin conditions. We have performed a single-blind, randomised clinical trial on 124 patients to evaluate the efficacy and skin tolerance of 5% tea-tree oil gel in the treatment of mild to moderate acne when compared with 5% benzoyl peroxide lotion. The results of this study showed that both 5% tea-tree oil and 5% benzoyl peroxide had a significant effect in ameliorating the patients' acne by reducing the number of inflamed and non-inflamed lesions (open and closed comedones), although the onset of action in the case of tea-tree oil was slower. Encouragingly, fewer side effects were experienced by patients treated with tea-tree oil.
Bassett
I B
IB
Department of Dermatology, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, NSW.
Pannowitz
D L
DL
Barnetson
R S
RS
D000152:Acne Vulgaris / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001585:Benzoyl Peroxide / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D005782:Gels; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009822:Oils, Volatile / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D010938:Plant Oils / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016037:Single-Blind Method; D012867:Skin / Q000473:pathology; D013997:Time Factors; D014197:Trees
D005782:Gels; D009822:Oils, Volatile; D010938:Plant Oils; D001585:Benzoyl Peroxide