The efficacy of 5% topical tea tree oil gel in mild to moderate acne vulgaris: a randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled study.
BACKGROUND
Finding an effective treatment for acne that is well tolerated by the patients is a challenge. One study has suggested the efficacy of tea tree oil in treatment of the acne vulgaris.


OBJECTIVE
To determine the efficacy of tea tree oil in mild to moderate acne vulgaris.


METHODS
This was a randomized double-blind clinical trial performed in 60 patients with mild to moderate acne vulgaris. They were randomly divided into two groups and were treated with tea tree oil gel (n=30) or placebo (n=30). They were followed every 15 days for a period of 45 days. Response to treatment was evaluated by the total acne lesions counting (TLC) and acne severity index (ASI). The data was analyzed statistically using t-test and by SPSS program.


RESULTS
There were no significant differences regarding demographic characteristics between the two groups. There was a significant difference between tea tree oil gel and placebo in the improvement of the TLC and also regarding improvement of the ASI. In terms of TLC and ASI, tea tree oil gel was 3.55 times and 5.75 times more effective than placebo respectively. Side-effects with both groups were relatively similar and tolerable.


CONCLUSIONS
Topical 5% tea tree oil is an effective treatment for mild to moderate acne vulgaris.
Enshaieh
Shahla
S
Department of Dermatology, Skin Diseases and Leishmaniasis Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
Jooya
Abolfazl
A
Siadat
Amir Hossein
AH
Iraji
Fariba
F
D000152:Acne Vulgaris / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology*; D000287:Administration, Topical; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D005782:Gels; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D020947:Tea Tree Oil / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local; D005782:Gels; D020947:Tea Tree Oil