Allergy, Melaeuca-Cajeput Tree

Melaleuca-cajeput tree, also known as the tea tree, is native to eastern Australia. It grows tall, up to twenty to thirty-three metres in height. The tree is known to have several biological activities such as antifungal, antiviral, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, etc. Many people use the melaleuca-cajeput tree as a remedy for many skin diseases and infections:

• According to research, tea tree oil in some treatment gels can help treat acne.
• For people suffering from lice, a combination of lavender oil along with tea tree oil can be effective in treating lice eggs.
• When tea tree oil is used in its natural form or together with several antifungal therapies, it can help treat fungus in toenails.
• Some creams containing tea tree oil can help relieve symptoms of the athlete’s foot.
• A tea tree oil shampoo can be effective in treating dandruff and cleaning the scalp.

Since tea tree oil or melaleuca-cajeput tree generally has antibacterial properties, it can cause an allergic reaction in many people. Many people do not experience any allergic reaction or symptoms when they use melaleuca-cajeput tree oil. However, some people may experience the following symptoms in the skin:

• Itching and irritation
• Scaling
• Stinging 
• Allergic rash
• Dryness
• Redness
• Burning 

You should not use tea tree oil if you have eczema. If you do use it accidentally, you may experience serious side effects such as:

• Lack of muscle control or ataxia, where you experience a lack of coordination of voluntary movements
• Confusion
• Reduced level of consciousness

The pollen of the melaleuca-cajeput pollen tree can cause asthma, allergic conjunctivitis, and allergic rhinitis in many people. Pollen extracts of the melaleuca-cajeput tree are analysed for allergenic and antigenic cross-reactivity. 

Your doctor may suggest a melaleuca-cajeput tree allergy test in case you experience any of the symptoms mentioned above. If you experience these symptoms often or severely, you must consult a doctor at the earliest to receive appropriate treatment for the melaleuca-cajeput allergy. 

At Apollo 24|7, you can easily opt for a melaleuca-cajeput allergy test to ensure that your doctor finds a suitable treatment to relieve or reduce your symptoms. With the help of medicines and reduced exposure, you can experience relieved symptoms. 

Medically reviewed by Dr Jatin Ahuja, Infectious Diseases, Apollo Hospitals Indraprastha, South Delhi.