In particular, Staphylococcus aureus, both methicillin-resistant and -sensitive, are of concern in their ability to cause difficult skin and underlying tissue infections. Melaleuca alternifolia oil (tea tree oil), an essential oil, has demonstrated promising efficacy in treating these infections.
Antibiotics commonly prescribed to treat staph infections include cefazolin, nafcillin, oxacillin, vancomycin, daptomycin and linezolid. For serious staph infections, vancomycin may be required. This is because so many strains of staph bacteria have become resistant to other traditional antibiotics.
A combination of Citricidal and geranium oil showed the greatest-anti-bacterial effects against MRSA, whilst a combination of geranium and tea tree oil was most active against the methicillin-sensitive S. aureus (Oxford strain).
Tea tree oil is used to prevent and treat infection by certain bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics and for skin rash due to contact with nickel. It is also applied to the skin to eliminate excess body hair (hirsutism) in women. On the eyelids it is used for a mite infection at the base of the eyelids.
How to use: Mix a few drops of tea tree oil into a small amount of moisturizer or carrier oil. Apply this mixture to the affected areas immediately after getting out of the shower and at least once more each day.
Often used for its widespread antiseptic and antimicrobial benefits, tea tree oil can be used on cuts, burns, abrasions and boils. It can also be effective in treating certain kinds of staph infections.
Studies have shown that it kills several common bacteria and viruses responsible for causing illness, including E. coli, S. pneumoniae, and H. influenzae ( 1 ). In fact, a study testing several types of handwash shows that adding tea tree oil to the cleansers boosted their effectiveness against E. coli( 4 ).
Most people can use tea tree oil topically with no problems. However, tea tree oil can cause: Skin irritation. Allergic skin rash (dermatitis)
Research from 2022 has found that tea tree oil has strong antibacterial and antiseptic properties. These properties may help treat the bacterial infection causing the boil. Tea tree oil shouldn't be applied directly to the skin, as it can have a burning effect.
Generally, it takes about 12 weeks for your skin to reap the benefits of tea tree oil. Your skin needs time to adjust to this new ingredient, but once you know how to use tea tree oil on your face you can expect to experience clearer skin within a few months.
Yes. Many staph skin infections may be treated by draining the abscess or boil and may not require antibiotics. Drainage of skin boils or abscesses should only be done by a healthcare provider.
Staph infections are caused by bacteria called staphylococcus. They most often affect the skin. They can go away on their own, but sometimes they need to be treated with antibiotics.
Alternative Remedies Some people apply substances with reported antimicrobial properties, such as tea tree oil, apple cider vinegar, coconut oil, eucalyptus essential oil, oregano essential oil, and others to skin infections to help them heal.
When common antibiotics don't kill the staph bacteria, it means the bacteria have become resistant to those antibiotics. This type of staph is called MRSA (Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus).
Apply warm compresses and soak the boil in warm water. This will decrease the pain and help draw the pus to the surface. Once the boil comes to a head, it will burst with repeated soakings. This usually occurs within 10 days of its appearance.
One 2006 study found that tea tree oil has both anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. This may help with treating inflammatory acne lesions, such as pimples.
Tea tree oil heals cuts and scabs faster.
For tea tree oil to have any effect on your skin, it is supposed to be left on for at least a couple of hours. Therefore, it is completely fine to leave it on overnight.
Tea tree oil is distilled from the leaves of the Melaleuca alternifolia plant, found in Australia. The oil possesses antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antifungal properties. A person can treat acne, athlete's foot, contact dermatitis or head lice using tea tree oil.
Side effects: Tea tree oil can sometimes irritate the skin, especially in higher concentrations. It has also caused allergic skin reactions.
If you are using tea tree oil to treat a nail fungal infection, dilute it in a carrier oil, such as coconut oil. (Aim for a ratio of two to three drops of tea tree oil to 15 to 20 drops of carrier oil.)
Most cases of staph infection on the skin can be treated with a topical antibiotic (applied to your skin). Your healthcare provider may also drain a boil or abscess by making a small incision (cut) to let the pus out.
Bacteremia. Also known as a bloodstream infection, bacteremia occurs when staph bacteria enter the bloodstream. A fever and low blood pressure are signs of bacteremia.