Some people may develop an allergic reaction to tea tree oil. This is called allergic contact dermatitis and can cause a skin rash that may be red, swollen, and itchy. Use of older or improperly stored tea tree oil is often associated with these reactions, but fresh tea tree oil can cause this skin reaction, too.
Can you be allergic to tea tree oil?
Allergic contact dermatitis has been reported in about 5% of those who use tea tree oil. 1-3 The cutaneous reactions range from a mild contact dermatitis to a severe blistering rash.
Can hydrocortisone cream be used to treat tea tree oil allergy?
This patient was told to apply hydrocortisone 1% cream to reduce the inflammation and pruritus and use cool compresses as needed. The rash completely resolved within a week after the tea tree oil was discontinued. REFERENCES:1. van der Valk PG, de Groot AC, Bruynzeel DP, et al. Allergic contact eczema due to ‚tea tree‘ oil.
How long does the rash last after tea tree oil discontinuation?
The rash completely resolved within a week after the tea tree oil was discontinued. REFERENCES:1. van der Valk PG, de Groot AC, Bruynzeel DP, et al. Allergic contact eczema due to ‚tea tree‘ oil.