Positive Health Online

Abstract

ENSHAIEH and others, Department of Dermatology, Skin Diseases and Leishmaniasis Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran, have conducted a randomized controlled trial of tea tree oil for acne.

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. The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of tea tree oil in mild to moderate acne.

Methodology

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 and acne severity index. The data was analyzed statistically using t-test and by SPSS program.

Results

There was a significant difference between tea tree oil gel and placebo in the improvement of the total lesions count and also of the acne severity index: 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.

Conclusion

Topical 5% tea tree oil is an effective treatment for mild to moderate acne vulgaris.

References

Enshaieh S et al. The efficacy of 5% topical tea tree oil gel in mild to moderate acne vulgaris: a randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled study. Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology & Leprology 73 (1): 22-25, Jan-Feb 2007.