Tea tree oil and boils

On September 17, 2008 in Skin

Boils are typically round, pus-filled bumps on the skin. The infection usually starts deep in the hair follicle and spreads its way to the surface of the skin, often appearing quite suddenly. Boils are painful, red and usually very tender. They are common, particularly in children and teenagers.

Without treating a boil, it will typically open, then drain, and heal anywhere between 7 days and 3 weeks. If you treat the boil, the life of the boil is reduced so its symptoms are far less severe.

Tea tree oil has been found to be an effective natural treatment for boils.

How can I use tea tree oil for boils?

Healing Daily offers the following advice on how to use tea tree oil to treat boils:-

Tea tree oil, which is the oil from the leaves of the Australian tea tree, may be used to directly treat the skin where the boil is located. Tea tree oil is a great antibacterial and germicidal agent.(Tea tree oil-based toothpastes and mouthwash may also be used to treat canker sores.)

In some rare cases, hypersensitivity reactions may occur. Only apply a small amount the first time you use tea tree oil, to make sure there is no irritation of the skin. Tea tree oil may burn if it comes in contact with the eyes, the mouth or the nose. Finally, do not ingest the oil.

Tea tree oil is safe for children as it is for adults. Tea tree oil is non-toxic and can be applied at full strength to boils. Apply a light coating 3 to 4 times a day, and continue for 2 weeks after the infection has disappeared.

When buying Tea Tree Oil, look for pure 100% tea tree oil.

Method for using teat tree oil on boils

At the first sign of a boil, apply tea tree oil immediately. Sometimes a boil can be stopped if only in the beginning stages if an hourly application of tea tree oil is applied.

Herbal Serenity offers the following method on how to use tea tree oil in the treatment of boils:-

Dab some tea tree oil onto the boil with a piece of cotton to help bring it to a head, then cover with a piece of gauze. Cover the gauze with a damp washcloth, followed by a dry towel and then apply a heating pad. Leave on a low temperature for about 15 minutes. Change your dressing and reapply the tea tree oil. The oil helps bring the boil to a head while the warm compress helps pull the infection out of the skin; the tea tree oil then acts as an antiseptic and antibiotic on the bacteria in the pus. Be sure to throw away the gauze each time, and wash your hands with tea tree oil soap each time you handle the gauze or touch the boil.

Alternative treatment - tea tree oil for boils

CNN.com’s Health library offers the following caution about using tea tree oil for boils:-

Tea tree oil, which is extracted from the leaves of the Australian tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia), has been used for centuries as an antiseptic, antibiotic and antifungal agent. It may help relieve discomfort and speed healing.

For best results, apply the oil to a boil several times a day. The oil can cause allergic reactions in some people, so be sure to stop using it if you have any problems.

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