Known for its antiseptic and antifungal properties, tea tree oil is the go-to treatment for all kinds of skin conditions. Some people have found that tea tree oil can even get rid of unsightly skin problems, such as seborrheic keratosis.
However, it’s important to make sure an oil won’t exacerbate a skin condition, before you start a course of home treatment.
First of all, what is seborrheic keratosis, and how should go about treating it? How can you use tea tree oil to get rid of seborrheic keratosis?
What Is Seborrheic Keratosis?
Caused by a build-up of keratin on the skin, seborrheic keratosis is a wart-like skin growth condition that can come up anywhere on the body. It can easily be mistaken for more serious skin conditions, like melanomas.
So, if you suspect you have seborrheic keratosis, you should get checked out by a doctor first. Seborrheic keratosis is unsightly and very distinctive. A doctor can help you to rule out more serious causes, and can even help to recommend some home treatments, or over-the-counter treatments that you can try.
A doctor may also prescribe a treatment or refer you to a dermatologist.
Is There an Over-the-Counter Treatment for Seborrheic Keratosis?
There are over-the-counter treatments available for seborrheic keratosis. It’s important to remember that this is a tricky skin condition to deal with, and there are plenty of fake treatments out there.
If you’re not sure whether or not a particular treatment will work for seborrheic keratosis, consult your doctor before you spend your money!
You can also try asking your pharmacist about possible remedies. Creams are best, as they can be easily applied and absorbed into the skin. Since seborrheic keratosis lesions are only on the surface of the skin, the lesions should scab up and drop off, leaving healthy skin underneath.
What Essential Oils Are Good for Seborrheic Keratosis?
Essential oils like tea tree oil can be used as a natural, at-home treatment for seborrheic keratosis. Let’s take a look at a few essential oils that you could try:
Tea tree oil
Known for its distinctive scent, antifungal properties, and antiseptic uses, tea tree oil can work to shrivel up lesions like seborrheic keratosis, as well as disinfecting the surrounding area.
Rosemary oil
Rosemary oil has been known to fight other skin conditions, like dermatitis and eczema. It has antimicrobial and antiseptic properties.
Peppermint oil
Peppermint oil is popular due to its refreshing and invigorating scent. It’s also an antioxidant, with antibacterial properties.
Lavender oil
Lavender has one of the most enjoyable scents, and lavender oil has anti-depressive, antioxidant, and calming properties.
Eucalyptus oil
Fresh and strong, eucalyptus oil is more like tea tree oil than lavender, in terms of both scent and power. Eucalyptus oil is an antifungal, antibacterial, and an anti-inflammatory.
How to Use Oils on Seborrheic Keratosis
Regardless of which oil you plan to use, always dilute your oil in a carrier oil. Add a few drops to your chosen dilute solution, apply the oil to the area with a cotton ball or swab, then rinse away. You can repeat this up to two or three times a day.
However, if you’ve been using essential oils for a few weeks with no result, you may need to try a more powerful solution, or switch to a different kind of oil.
Can You Pick Off Seborrheic Keratosis?
Since seborrheic keratosis lesions only sit on the skin, they can be cut off. However, you absolutely must not try to cut or pick off seborrheic keratosis lesions yourself. A dermatologist can do this, or you can use a treatment that causes the lesions to shrivel and scab up, falling off themselves.
If you accidentally cut into healthy skin underneath the lesions, you’re likely going to leave a scar. There’s the danger of cutting too deep or trying to cut off something other than a seborrheic keratosis lesion.
So, picking off seborrheic keratosis should definitely be left to the professionals!
What Is The Best Natural Treatment for Seborrheic Keratosis?
A daily (or twice daily) dab of tea tree oil may be one of the best treatments for seborrheic keratosis. Alternatively, you can invest in a soap or cleanser which contains tea tree oil.
