cellulitis from tea tea oil burn(s)

Posted by imfu @imfu, Dec 30, 2018

since applying tea tree oil (100% on a few cuts- did not know to dilute- and never have in the past ten years of use with no issues) I have developed terrible a rash which has blistered. saw an NP one day ago who prescribed prednisone and keflex. My concern is the location (forearm above wrist so close to joints, tendons, etc). I have NO health insurance so visiting the NP was costly and she did not explain anything to me or even tell me a diagnosis and had one foot out the door in the five minute visit. I assume is cellulitis but am told I should have received parenteral antibiotics (injection) and bloodwork done among other things. any suggestions? would i best be served in the er? Has any of you ever had something like this due to tea tree oil use? Thank you in advance. Any insight would be helpful and appreciated.

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Kanaaz Pereira, Connect Moderator | @kanaazpereira | Dec 30, 2018

Hi @imfu,

I don’t think it’s advisable to apply tea tree oil directly on skin – https://www.healthline.com/health/tea-tree-oil-for-skin
Since you mentioned you’ve not had a problem in the past, do you think you might be experiencing an allergic reaction? Allergic contact dermatitis has been reported in about 5% of those who use tea tree oil
https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements-tea-tree-oil/art-20364246

gardeningjunkie | @gardeningjunkie | Dec 31, 2018

Like Kanaaz Pereira mentioned it could be Allergic Contact Dermatitis, ACD which I have. You were thinking since you hadn't reacted in the past to Tea Tree Oil that you weren't allergic to it. Our bodies change. I didn't develop ACD until middle age, this is common and now must control my contacts. Of course stop all Tea Tree Oil contact, even diluted. In the future if you want to test a lubricant on your bod, derms recommend putting a small amount on the inside of your elbow and then wait before applying elsewhere. It can take up to 5 days to react. The difference between ACD and Contact Dermatitis, CD ,is that ACD has a delayed reaction. With CD you usually react within a few hours.
I am curious as to why you think it is cellulitis as it sounds like a dermatitis rash.
Anti-biotics aren't given with ACD or CD unless infected, contact elimination and time is necessary. Steroids can help temporarily, but if re-exposed to the allergen causing the rash your symptoms will reappear. Steroids used occasionally are necessary, but for long term use they have dangerous side effects and I am sure you learned how expensive they are.! GoodRX is a free website which when you enter your zipcode and px needed it will list all the pharms in your area and the lowest price, plus they offer a free coupon and you normally save about 60% or more of retail cost. It's surprising the difference in pharm pricing. Wal-Mart normally the cheapest, yet often local grocery store pharms can beat their price. Walgreens always looses. Sometimes they beat my Humana Medicare pharmacy plan prices.

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