Spreading Allergic Contact Dermatitis to Tea Tree Oil in an Over-the-Counter Product Applied on a Wart.

Abstract

Tea tree oil is an essential oil obtained by distillation from the leaves and terminal branchlets of Melaleuca alternifolia and is now present in numerous products for body care and self-medication. We report a case of allergic contact dermatitis to tea tree oil in a young man who was applying a lotion containing tea tree oil on a wart localized on the plantar aspect of the right big toe, which had previously been treated with cryotherapy. He developed a severe eczematous eruption on the right foot and the right leg, with subsequent id reactions affecting the right thigh, the contralateral lower limb, the trunk and the upper limbs. The lotion was discontinued, and the dermatitis resolved after topical corticosteroid therapy. Patch testing with the aforementioned lotion 10% pet. and oxidized tea tree oil 5% pet. identified tea tree oil as the culprit agent of the dermatitis. This case report confirms that products made of natural ingredients, often perceived to be harmless, can cause allergic reactions.

• Authors: Francesca Ambrogio, Caterina Foti, Gerardo Cazzato, Edoardo Mortato, Stella Mazzoccoli, Anna Paola De Caro, Nicoletta Cassano, Gino Antonio Vena, Gianfranco Calogiuri, Paolo Romita
• Journal: Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania) (Medicina (Kaunas)) Vol. 58 Issue 5 (Apr 19 2022) ISSN: 1648-9144 [Electronic] Switzerland
• PMID: 35629978 (Publication Type: Case Reports)

Chemical References

• Emollients
• Oils, Volatile
• Tea Tree Oil

Topics

• Dermatitis, Allergic Contact (etiology)
• Emollients
• Humans
• Male
• Oils, Volatile
• Patch Tests (adverse effects, methods)
• Tea Tree Oil (adverse effects)
• Warts