Tea tree oil is a popular choice for treating keloids, a type of thick scar tissue that forms over a wound or piercing. When you pierce any part of your body, it involves creating a wound that needs to heal, and occasionally, the body goes into overdrive, producing too much collagen. This leads to the formation of keloids, which are hard, raised scars that can extend beyond the original wound area.
Luckily, most keloids can be managed at home without medical intervention. Tea tree oil is effective for reducing the appearance of keloids and hypertrophic scars. It works as an astringent, pulling out moisture from cells and offering antibacterial protection that prevents further scarring due to infections. This essential oil has great benefits for both skin and hair and works best when mixed with carrier oils like rosehip seed oil, calendula oil, tamanu oil, emu oil, vitamin E oil, and sea buckthorn oil.
Tea tree oil has impressive natural anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial qualities that help heal scars. Its antiseptic properties also play a role in preventing bacterial infections in scar tissue. To safely use tea tree oil, it’s important to do a patch test first. Since essential oils are potent, never apply pure tea tree oil directly to your skin. Start with diluted oil on a small skin area and wait 24 hours to check for irritation. People with allergies to celery or thyme should avoid tea tree oil since it contains d-limonene, which can trigger allergies.
Here’s how you can use tea tree oil and other ingredients to treat keloids:
1. Tea Tree Oil Method: Mix 2-3 drops of tea tree oil with 1 tablespoon of water and apply to the keloid using a q-tip. Leave it on for 15-20 minutes before washing off. Do this once a day.
2. Tea Tree and Lavender Oil Mix: Blend 2 drops of lavender oil, 2 drops of tea tree oil, and 1 teaspoon of tamanu oil. Soak a cotton pad in this mixture and apply it to the keloid, leaving it on for 25-30 minutes. Repeat daily.
3. Aloe Vera Mix: Dissolve 1 teaspoon of sea salt in 2 tablespoons of warm water and apply to the keloid with a cotton pad. After 5-7 minutes, apply a few drops of tea tree oil, followed by aloe vera gel to soften the scar. Do this once or twice daily.
4. Aspirin and Tea Tree Oil Paste: Crush 3-4 aspirin tablets and mix with 1-2 teaspoons of water to form a paste. Apply it to the keloid and let it dry for 20-30 minutes. After rinsing, apply tea tree oil with a cotton pad. Use daily for the best results.
5. Tea Tree and Vitamin E Oil: Mix 2 drops of tea tree oil with ½ teaspoon of vitamin E oil. Apply this mixture to the keloid daily as an ointment.
6. Serum with Essential Oils: Combine 5 teaspoons of rosehip seed oil, 4 teaspoons each of emu and tamanu oil, the oil from 5 vitamin E capsules, and essential oils including 10 drops of helichrysum, 5 drops each of frankincense, lavender, and tea tree oil in an amber glass bottle. Use this blend daily and store it in a cool, dry place.
If you are treating older scars, it might take a couple of months to notice changes, so consistency is key. For very large keloids, it’s best to get advice from a healthcare professional. Remember to explore other options like aloe vera treatments and preventative tips for ear piercing keloids.
