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Can the tea tree oil (Australian native plant: Melaleuca alternifolia Cheel) be an alternative treatment for human demodicosis on skin?

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  18 April 2018

Nelson Siu Kei Lam Open the ORCID record for Nelson Siu Kei Lam [Opens in a new window] ,
Xin Xin Long Open the ORCID record for Xin Xin Long [Opens in a new window] ,
Robert C Griffin ,
Mu-Kai Chen  and
James CG Doery
Nelson Siu Kei Lam
Affiliation:
Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, Guangdong, China Chapman Pharmacy, Canberra, ACT, Australia
Xin Xin Long
Affiliation:
Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, Guangdong, China
Robert C Griffin
Affiliation:
The Canberra Hospital, Woden Valley, Canberra, Australia
Mu-Kai Chen*
Affiliation:
Department of Dermatology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, No. 58, Zhongshan Er Road, Guangzhou 510080, Guangdong, China
James CG Doery*
Affiliation:
Department of Pathology, Monash Medical Centre and Department of Medicine, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
*
Author for correspondence: James CG Doery, Mu-Kai Chen, E-mail: james.doery@monash.edu, chenmuk@mail.sysu.edu.cn
Author for correspondence: James CG Doery, Mu-Kai Chen, E-mail: james.doery@monash.edu, chenmuk@mail.sysu.edu.cn
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Abstract

Australian tea tree oil (TTO) and its extract terpinen-4-ol (T4O) are found to be effective in moderating demodex-related diseases. Their possible effects are lowering the mite counts, relieving the demodex-related symptoms and modulating the immune system especially the inflammatory response. This review summarizes the topical treatments of TTO and T4O in human demodicosis, their possible mechanism of actions, side-effects and potential resistance in treating this condition. Although current treatments other than TTO and T4O are relatively effective in controlling the demodex mite population and the related symptoms, more research on the efficacy and drug delivery technology is needed in order to assess its potential as an alternative treatment with minimal side-effect profile, low toxicity and low risk of demodex resistance.

Keywords

DemodicosisDemodex folliculariumDemodex brevistea tree oilterpinen-4-olrosacea
Type
Review Article
Information
Parasitology , Volume 145 , Issue 12 , October 2018 , pp. 1510 - 1520
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Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2018 

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Footnotes

*

These authors contributed equally to this work.

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