Background
Tea tree oil is distilled from the leaves of Melaleuca alternifolia, an Australian native plant. Tea tree oil is considered to have antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.
Degradation products of monoterpenes are the sensitizing agents in tea tree oil; patients allergic to tea tree oil do not react to patch tests with freshly distilled tea tree oil.
Synonyms
UsesAntibacterial / decolonizing agent (also to methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), while the commensal flora of the skin is less susceptable.
Cross-ReactionsTurpentine, essential oils
Unusual ReactionsUndiluted tea tree oil may cause skin irritation. Safety data on tea tree oil used on open wounds are not available. Systemic toxicity is comparable to that of eucalyptus oil and ingestion of 10-25 ml has resulted in ataxia, drowsiness, disorientation or coma for 2 days; recovery was full without complications.
Back to list of contact allergens
Referenties
| 1. |
Carson CF, Riley TV, Cookson BD. Efficacy and
safety of tea tree oil as a topical antimicrobial agent. J Hosp Inf
1998;40:175-8. |
| 2. |
Hausen BM, Reichling J, Harkenthal M.
Degradation products of monoterpenes are the sensitizing agents in
tea tree oil. Am J Contact Dermatitis 1999;10:68-77. |
Author(s):Allergology: background information on allergens.
ICD10:
L23.9