Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is an inflammatory condition of the skin that often results in lesions where the skin rubs together. There is no cure for HS, so treatment for hidradenitis suppurativa often focuses on alleviating symptoms. Most mild cases can be managed with good hygiene, loose-fitting clothes, antibacterial soaps, and antiseptics. Some people with mild HS try home remedies such as tea tree oil.

Currently, there are no large-scale studies to determine whether tea tree oil has a statistically significant effect on HS flare-ups or lesions. In fact, the available research on tea tree oil and HS is extremely limited. Despite the lack of thorough scientific studies, many people living with HS have decided to try tea tree oil. The anecdotal experiences of tea tree oil applied directly to HS lesions range from no observed benefit to swearing by this remedy as the best choice to help heal skin lesions.

What Is Tea Tree Oil?

Tea tree oil is derived from Melaleuca alternifolia, a plant that is native to Australia. There is often batch-to-batch variation in the tea tree oil that is commercially available. The chemical composition of tea tree oil can also change throughout storage. The oil is destabilized by exposure to light, heat, air, and moisture. Tea tree oil should be stored in a dark, cool, dry place.

How Can Tea Tree Oil Help Hidradenitis Suppurativa?

Tea tree oil can suppress the production of some proinflammatory molecules, which can decrease the level of inflammatory response. According to laboratory experiments, tea tree oil has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activity. However, these properties have only been tested in vitro.

The antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties of tea tree oil alone have not been thoroughly tested in animals or humans. That said, the benefits of using tea tree oil-containing creams and oils on a variety of skin conditions have been investigated. Tea tree oil-containing products have been researched in acne, oral herpes, dandruff, skin lesions from bacterial infections, and head lice. In most cases, the tea tree oil-containing product was more effective than placebo (sham treatment).

In a small number of cases, tea tree oil has been shown to reduce allergic reactions of the skin in response to mosquito bites, bee stings, hives, and metal allergies. One myHSteam member put it simply: “Tea tree oil contains antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. When applied to an HS lesion, it can help to reduce swelling and dry out the wound.”

How To Use Tea Tree Oil for Hidradenitis Suppurativa

Because tea tree oil has not yet been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for HS or thoroughly researched in clinical trials, there is no standard protocol or treatment plan. Tea tree oil is for diluted topical use and should not be ingested — it can be harmful if swallowed.

Most myHSteam members who use tea tree oil mix two to three drops into a lotion or skin oil, and then apply it directly to troublesome skin lesions. As one member shared, “I have a mixture that I made with Vaseline. It has a couple of drops each of tea tree oil, aloe vera, and lavender.” Another had a similar approach: “Thanks to the lavender, tea tree oil, and vitamin E oil I use, every day is a good day for me!” they said.

Some products that come with tea tree oil as an ingredient may be helpful. A member shared, “I have been using tea tree soap and found some all-natural creams with tea tree oil.”

Adding tea tree oil to a bath may also help, according to one member, who said, “I only have to use tea tree oil two or maybe three times a year! That’s how great they work on my wounds. I just add a few drops of the tea tree oil to my bath. Afterward, the boils will swell and harden, and by morning, they are reduced in size and pain-free!”

Tea tree oil is not curative but may provide relief of symptoms. Make sure to talk with your doctor about the pros and cons of tea tree oil for your situation before adding essential oils or other natural remedies to your treatment routine.

Side Effects of Tea Tree Oil

Most people do not experience side effects from using tea tree oil. However, note that tea tree oil is usually very concentrated and only a small amount is needed in most cases. One member advised, “Be warned, tea tree oil is very strong … two to three drops at a time is all you will ever need to use!”

Side effects of tea tree oil use are usually limited to skin irritation or allergic reactions to the oil. Skin irritation is more likely to happen if tea tree oil is overused or if it isn’t diluted before putting it on your skin.

Talk With Others Who Understand

On myHSteam, the social network for people with hidradenitis suppurativa, more than 22,000 members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with HS.

Have you tried tea tree oil for your HS symptoms? Share your experience in the comments below, or start a conversation by posting on myHSteam.