Using Tea Tree Essential Oil for Eczema

Eczema has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. The cycles of scratching and itching, red and flaky patches, and all the other uncomfortable symptoms are all too familiar for me. Over the years, I’ve tried just about every treatment, both prescribed and over-the-counter. Some have done absolutely nothing for me, and others have been beneficial. One natural remedy that has stayed with me throughout my journey and remains part of my toolkit is tea tree essential oil.

What is tea tree essential oil?

Tea tree oil comes from the leaves of a plant native to Australia called Melaleuca alternifolia. Tea tree oil is known for its antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties and has been shown to be beneficial for things like:^1,2

• Acne
• Dandruff
• Insect bites
• Athlete’s foot

How did I hear about it for eczema?

I learned about tea tree oil through a friend who introduced me to essential oils many years ago. Like me, she had lived with eczema most of her life and went through TSW (topical steroid withdrawal). She swore by the oils and encouraged me to give them a try.

She kindly gifted me a starter pack with a few of the most popular essential oils – tea tree oil being one of them. I was skeptical, in all honesty. But I had been curious about oils for a while, and she swore by them, so I decided to give it a try.

How do I apply tea tree oil to my flares?

It’s important to know that tea tree oil is extremely potent and can be irritating if applied to the skin directly or used undiluted. Instead, it should be mixed with a carrier oil. Typically, when I feel I have an infection starting to form in a certain spot, I mix a few drops of tea tree oil with about a tablespoon of carrier oil. My favorite carriers are jojoba or avocado oil. But there are many others, such as:

• Coconut oil
• Grape-seed oil
• Olive oil

How do I work it into my baths?

During severe flare-ups, when I prefer to take a bath rather than a shower, I add about 10 to 15 drops of tea tree oil to a warm bath along with my Epsom salts or colloidal oatmeal. This really helps reduce inflammation for me and helps the itch quite a bit. I also add tea tree oil to foot soaks with Epsom salts – whether it’s after a long hike or just having an at-home mini spa day.

How do I use it in my homemade remedies?

I’ve also experimented with making my own eczema cream, though I don’t do that regularly anymore. I used to mix shea butter with coconut oil, tea tree oil, and lavender oil. This did help me. But at times it was a hassle to make the cream on my own, especially when flaring really badly.

Alternatively, I use some products that contain tea tree oil or add the oil to my shampoo and/or moisturizer. When I get flare-ups and dandruff (or seborrheic dermatitis) on my scalp, it seems to help to add a few drops to my shampoo. There is some research to support this. For example, 1 study found that a 5 percent tea tree oil shampoo helped to clear up dandruff.³

What should you know before trying it?

While tea tree oil has been beneficial for me, it’s important to be cautious when trying anything new. Because research is still being done on tea tree oil and dermatitis, consult your dermatologist and any other healthcare professionals you see. Once you have the go-ahead, make sure you are purchasing a 100 percent pure oil and do proper patch testing to make sure you don't react to it.

Incorporating tea tree essential oil into my skincare routine hasn’t been a magic cure, but it has helped, especially when I'm having a flare or when I feel an infection might be going on. It’s definitely not a magic fix, but it has become part of my eczema and TSW “toolkit.”

If you’re struggling with eczema and looking for natural alternatives, tea tree oil might be worth a try. Keep in mind, everyone’s skin is different, and what works for 1 person might not work for another.