Abstract |
Tea tree oil has been shown to have activity against dermatophytes in vitro. We have conducted a randomized, controlled, double-blinded study to determine the efficacy and safety of 25% and 50% tea tree oil in the treatment of interdigital tinea pedis. One hundred and fifty-eight patients with tinea pedis clinically and microscopy suggestive of a dermatophyte infection were randomized to receive either placebo, 25% or 50% tea tree oil solution. Patients applied the solution twice daily to affected areas for 4 weeks and were reviewed after 2 and 4 weeks of treatment. There was a marked clinical response seen in 68% of the 50% tea tree oil group and 72% of the 25% tea tree oil group, compared to 39% in the placebo group. Mycological cure was assessed by culture of skin scrapings taken at baseline and after 4 weeks of treatment. The mycological cure rate was 64% in the 50% tea tree oil group, compared to 31% in the placebo group. Four (3.8%) patients applying tea tree oil developed moderate to severe dermatitis that improved quickly on stopping the study medication.
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Authors | Andrew C Satchell, Anne Saurajen, Craig Bell, Ross St C Barnetson |
Journal | The Australasian journal of dermatology
(Australas J Dermatol)
Vol. 43
Issue 3
Pg. 175-8
(Aug 2002)
ISSN: 0004-8380 [Print] Australia |
PMID | 12121393
(Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Comparative Study, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
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Chemical References |
- Anti-Infective Agents, Local
- Tea Tree Oil
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Topics |
- Administration, Topical
- Adolescent
- Adult
- Aged
- Aged, 80 and over
- Anti-Infective Agents, Local
(therapeutic use)
- Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
- Double-Blind Method
- Drug Administration Schedule
- Female
- Follow-Up Studies
- Humans
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Probability
- Reference Values
- Tea Tree Oil
(therapeutic use)
- Tinea Pedis
(drug therapy, pathology)
- Treatment Outcome
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