Fight Infection with Tea Tree Oil Hand Wash
   
Healthnotes Newswire (March 24, 2005)—Skin washes containing 5% tea tree oil are more effective than regular soap at killing infectious bacteria on the skin, according to the Journal of Hospital Infection (2005;59:220–8).
 
Hand washing plays a critical role in preventing the spread of infection in healthcare settings. Several studies, however, have found that less than half of healthcare providers wash their hands as frequently and for as long as is recommended, in part because frequent washing can irritate the skin. When used properly, antiseptic soaps and cleansers can effectively remove bacteria from the skin surface; however, frequent use may damage skin and cause a loss of healthy bacteria, creating conditions that might actually increase the risk of spreading infection. Tea tree oil has demonstrated antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties in numerous studies. Furthermore, studies have suggested that tea tree oil preparations do not damage skin and tend to spare normal skin bacteria.  More ...