Effect of Topical Application of Tea Tree Oil (Melaleuca alternifolia) on Hand Warts

Abstract

Tea Tree Oil (TTO) is one of the most widely used aroma oil and is documented to be beneficial in the management of viral infections such as Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) and Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). Hereby, authors report a case of 22-year-old female diagnosed with HPV infection with cutaneous wart (Verruca Vulgaris) on distal phalange of the right index and middle fingers. She had complained of pain and discomfort while writing. Tea tree oil was mixed with carrier oil (coconut oil) in a ratio of 1:5, and she was advised to apply it over the wart directly for 21 days. At the completion of 21 days, the warts resolved completely and there was no recurrence during the one month follow-up after intervention. In addition, the patient also reported a reduction in pain with the treatment. Tea tree oil could thus be effectively used for treating cutaneous warts. However, further studies with adequate sample size would help further validate the findings.

Keywords

• aromatherapy
• naturopathy
• verruca vulgaris