Essential Oils and Bacterial Skin Infections

There is exciting research on essential oils’ effect on bacterial infections. I have had personal success in treating abscesses topically with essential oils, and both in vitro and human clinical studies are showing that essential oils can successfully combat MRSA (methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus), a resistant form of Staph infection.

Check out the anti-bacterial effects of some of the most common essential oils on the market!

Tea Tree

Tea tree oil and its chemical component, terpinen-4-ol, are both effective at killing MRSA and coagulase-negative staphylococcus, another type of bacteria commonly found on our skin and that can cause serious infections in hospitalized patients with central lines or urinary catheters.2

In fact, when used at a 10% concentration, tea tree oil has comparable effects to topical mupirocin against Staphylococcus aureus, with no resistance detected at this concentration.3

Additionally, treating the skin with 5% tea tree oil wash, a 4% ointment application, or a 10% concentrated cream can effectively remove MRSA from the skin.4,5,6,7

A 2018 study confirmed the effectiveness of tea tree oil against multi-drug resistant bacteria.8

All of this evidence would suggest that this oil could potentially be used topically for both abscesses and impetigo. However, right now there is insufficient overall clinical evidence to either recommend or dismiss the effectivity of tea tree oil in the treatment of impetigo.9,10

Bergamot

Bergamot essential oil has been demonstrated in vitro to inhibit the growth of several types of bacteria, including E. coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas. More research on how to use it to treat human infections is needed.11,12,13

Lavender

Lavender has been investigated for its use in the treatment of MSSA (methicillin sensitive staphylococcus aureus) and MRSA. An in vitro study conducted in 2009 compared multiple lavender oils and their ability to inhibit bacterial growth. All of the lavender oils were effective against MSSA and MRSA growth, but more effective when used in combination.14

Other studies are coming out and confirming the antimicrobial activity of lavender oil.15

Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus oil shows promise in the realm of antibacterial activity as well. This oil has demonstrated anti-biofilm forming activities in vitro, suggesting it could be used to prevent bacterial infections commonly acquired from equipment in the hospital setting.16

Eucalyptus oil and its chemical components can also inhibit the growth of multi-drug resistant bacteria, MRSA included.17,18

Copaiba

Copaiba essential oil is largely composed of sesquiterpenoids, particularly β-caryophyllene. However, the oleoresin (oleo = oil) is also composed of diterpene acids. These diterpene acids have been identified as primary constituents that are responsible for many of the biological activities described in the medical literature. Minimal studies have actually been completed on the steam-distilled essential oil, which, like frankincense, does not contain heavier acid molecules. Copaiba oleoresin has multiple documented antibacterial results, including activity against MRSA.19,20,21,22

Oregano

Oregano oil has historically been used for infections, and it has been shown time and again in the laboratory to combat many types of bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus.23,24,25,26,27,28

In fact, out of 52 selected essential oils studied against 15 types of bacteria, oregano has been the most effective at inhibiting bacterial growth.29,30

Oregano has great potential in the treatment of a wide variety of bacterial infections, MRSA abscesses included. Keep in mind that oregano when used in its pure form is a skin irritant and must be used with caution in young children, especially those less than 2 years old. Human clinical trials are much needed to establish standard dosing and assess for adverse effects.

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Download my E-Book, The Evidence-Based Guide to Essential Oils: What Parents Need to Know to Safely Manage Common Childhood Ailments to learn more!

***Join me next week and in the weeks to come to learn more about alternative and integrative therapies for children and adults alike!

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Lemon

Not surprisingly, lemon oil also has antibacterial properties. Staphylococcus aureus is included in the extensive list of bacteria it has been shown to work against.31,32

Sandalwood

Sandalwood oil has been found to be broadly active against many bacterial strains, including Staphylococcus (MRSA and VRSA [Vancomycin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus]) and Streptococcus species.33,34,35,36

Sandalwood oil has demonstrated efficacy against Streptococcus pyogenes and could be a potential treatment for impetigo. However, this has not been clinically investigated.37

Given the amazing versatility of sandalwood for skin conditions, this oil has great promise for topical treatment of skin infections.

Frankincense

Finally, frankincense essential oil and resin oil have been investigated for their antibacterial properties and have some effectiveness against Staphylococcus aureus, though effectivity against MRSA remains in question.38,39,40,41,42

Next week, I will begin a 3 part series on Manuka Honey!

References

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