Tea tree oil: cutaneous effects of the extracted oil of Melaleuca alternifolia.
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.
Department of Dermatology and the Clinical Services and Residency Program, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
Glen H
GH
Crawford
Joslyn R
JR
Sciacca
William D
WD
James
D000485:Allergens / Q000009:adverse effects*; D017449:Dermatitis, Allergic Contact / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D031650:Melaleuca / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008517:Phytotherapy / Q000009:adverse effects; D018515:Plant Leaves; D020947:Tea Tree Oil / Q000009:adverse effects*
D000485:Allergens; D020947:Tea Tree Oil