If you have seborrheic dermatitis on your scalp, you may have tried various treatments and over-the-counter (OTC) products to manage itchy, dry, scaly skin. Tea tree oil is a popular natural remedy for various skin conditions. Because of its antifungal properties, some people have used it alongside other treatments for seborrheic dermatitis, particularly for seborrheic dermatitis on the scalp (also called dandruff).

Tea tree oil is an essential oil, and these products aren’t regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Although essential oils may help some people, they also pose risks, such as allergic reactions and irritation when used on the skin. If you have seborrheic dermatitis or another skin condition, like psoriasis, it’s important to talk to your dermatologist before trying any new products.

Here’s what you need to know about tea tree oil for seborrheic dermatitis on the scalp, including how to use it safely.

What Is Tea Tree Oil?

Tea tree oil is an essential oil that comes from the Melaleuca alternifolia tree — commonly known as tea tree — which is native to Australia. The oil is extracted from the plant through a process of pressing or steam distillation.

Essential oils like tea tree oil can be used in several ways. Some people breathe them in, which is known as aromatherapy. They can also be combined with other oils, such as coconut oil, to make a moisturizing mixture that can be applied to your skin or scalp.

Over-the-counter shampoos — specifically, anti-dandruff shampoos — may contain tea tree oil as an active ingredient. You can also find tea tree oil in a variety of OTC lotions, creams, cleansers, and other skin or hair care products.

How Can Tea Tree Oil Help the Skin?

Tea tree oil is said to have many properties that can benefit the skin. According to some research, tea tree oil wields antioxidant activity and helps fight inflammation and infections from bacteria, fungi, and viruses.

Anti-Inflammatory and Antimicrobial Properties

Tea tree oil helps calm inflammation and associated skin discoloration though its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activity. These properties make it an effective treatment for inflammatory skin conditions like acne. Research also suggests that tea tree oil can aid wound healing, which is how Australia’s aboriginal people traditionally used the oil.

Antibacterial Properties

Tea tree oil has antibacterial properties, meaning it can help fight infection-causing bacteria on the skin. Researchers have reported that tea tree oil may be helpful in treating methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (staph), a bacterial skin infection that can be difficult to treat.

Antiviral, Antifungal, and Antiprotozoal Properties

Tea tree oil has been found to help fight viruses, fungal infections, and protozoa (single-celled organisms) that can affect the skin. The oil may be used as an alternative treatment for head lice and athlete’s foot (a fungal infection).

How Can Tea Tree Oil Help Seborrheic Dermatitis on the Scalp?

The antifungal properties in tea tree oil make it potentially helpful for addressing symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis on the scalp. Seborrheic dermatitis is a type of eczema that affects areas of the body that produce more sebum, or oil — such as the scalp.

Although the exact cause of seborrheic dermatitis is unknown, Malasezzia— a type of yeast or fungus present on everyone’s skin — may play a role. It’s thought that in people with seborrheic dermatitis, the immune system reacts to the yeast. The reaction causes symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis like irritation, dryness, and flaking of the skin.

Tea tree oil may potentially help treat seborrheic dermatitis on the scalp. One small research study found that using shampoo with 5 percent tea tree oil helped treat dandruff. After four weeks of daily use, people who used the tea tree oil shampoo saw a 41 percent improvement in the severity of their dandruff compared with those who used a placebo (a shampoo with no medicinal effect). However, more research on tea tree oil for dandruff is needed before making any serious claims about its effectiveness.

How Can You Use Tea Tree Oil on Your Scalp?

To use tea tree oil on your scalp, you could try applying it in the form of a shampoo. Shop for shampoos with 5 percent tea tree oil — you can find them online or at your local grocery store, pharmacy, or hair salon.

You could also make your own shampoo, or add several drops of tea tree oil into your favorite shampoo to get the added benefits.

To properly use a shampoo and ensure its ingredients reach all areas of your scalp, follow these steps:

1. Shake the bottle well, then pour the suggested amount of shampoo into your hand.
2. Work the shampoo into a rich lather, using water and rubbing your hands together until the shampoo becomes foamy.
3. Work your way around your entire scalp, massaging the shampoo well into the roots of your hair.
4. Rinse the shampoo out of your hair.

Some shampoos may direct you to leave the product in your hair for a certain amount of time before rinsing. You may also be instructed to repeat the process for maximum effect.

Anti-dandruff shampoos are typically used twice a week to help treat seborrheic dermatitis symptoms and avoid irritating your scalp. Once your symptoms clear, your dermatologist may instruct you to use the shampoo once a week or less to help maintain your results. Sometimes, shampoos become less effective over time as your skin adjusts. You can rotate between a few types to help them continue to work.

Risks of Using Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is not regulated by the FDA or any other entity, so there is no guarantee of the legitimacy or purity of a tea tree oil product. Be cautious about advertisements for essential oils and any product that claims it can cure your seborrheic dermatitis.

If you’re considering using tea tree oil for seborrheic dermatitis, there are some risks and safety points to keep in mind:

• Don’t swallow tea tree oil or get it in your eyes. The oil can be toxic if swallowed. If it gets into your eyes, rinse them with water immediately.
• Don’t use pure tea tree oil directly onto your skin or scalp. Dilute the oil with another liquid or carrier oil, like coconut oil.
• Watch out for symptoms of contact dermatitis, including burning, itching, and discolored skin. These symptoms suggest you may be sensitive or allergic to tea tree oil and should discontinue use.

Before using tea tree oil, it’s a good idea to do a patch test to see how your skin will react. A method from the University of Minnesota suggests you make a small amount of tea tree oil mixture at twice the concentration you plan to use. Apply some to a bandage and affix it to the inside of your forearm. Remove the bandage after 48 hours and check for irritation.

Be aware that it’s not advised to use tea tree oil on babies or young children because the safety and efficacy haven’t been tested. You should also talk to your health care provider before using tea tree oil products if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding.

Talk With Others Who Understand

MySebDermTeam is the social network for people with seborrheic dermatitis and their loved ones. On MySebDermTeam, members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with seborrheic dermatitis.

Have you tried tea tree oil for your dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis symptoms? In what way do you use it, and how has it worked for you? Share your experience in the comments below, or start a conversation by posting on your Activities page.