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Research: MILLAR and MOORE,
Listed in Issue 158
Abstract
MILLAR and MOORE, Northern Ireland Public Health Laboratory, Department of Bacteriology, Belfast City Hospital, Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK, have successfully treated hand warts with tea tree oil.
Background
Tea tree oil (TTO) (Melaleuca alternifolia) has been used recently as an effective topical application for the treatment of skin infections due to a variety of aetiological microbial agents, including mainly bacterial infections.
Methodology
Methodology and results: We detail the first report in the peer-reviewed literature of the successful treatment with TTO of a paediatric patient with warts on her right middle finger. TTO was applied topically once daily to the lesions for 12 days, with a successful outcome, including complete re-epithelization of the infected areas.
Results
Conclusion
The case highlights the potential use of TTO in the treatment of common warts due to human papilloma virus.
References
Millar BC. Moore JE. Successful topical treatment of hand warts in a paediatric patient with tea tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia). Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice. 14(4): 225-7. Nov 2008.