Herpes is a viral infection caused by one of two types of the herpes simplex virus. Infected individuals experience recurrent bouts of painful blisters and itchy open sores that typically take 10 to 14 days to heal, according to Northeastern Ohio University dermatologist Christina Cernik in the June 9, 2008, issue of “Archives of Internal Medicine.” The University of Michigan Health System says that Australian Aborigines traditionally used tea tree oil to treat cuts and skin infections such as herpes. Indeed, a study published by a team of Australian researchers in the September 2001 edition of the “Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy” concluded that tea tree oil inactivated the herpes simplex virus in test tubes. But substances that work well in test tubes do not always work well in people and tea tree oil can cause irritation when applied to skin around the mouth and genitals. Patients who consider using it should discuss this decision with their physicians.
Apply Tea Tree Oil to Herpes Sores
Dispense a small amount of tea tree oil onto a cotton swab.
Gently apply the tea tree oil to sores. If this is your first time using tea tree oil, apply it to just one sore and wait a few minutes to determine whether you experience skin irritation before applying it to the rest of the sores.
Discard the swab.
Wash your hands with soap and water. Dry with a clean towel.
Repeat two to four times per day, as desired.