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Fungal nail infection (onychomycosis) - Evidence
Evidence on topical tea tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia) for dermatophyte onychomycosis
There is weak indirect evidence from one randomized controlled trial (RCT) that tea tree oil (from the Melaleuca alternifolia plant) may be effective for dermatophyte onychomycosis. It has not been compared in RCTs with topical treatments licensed in the UK.
Topical tea tree oil compared with placebo
Topical tea tree oil compared with other topical treatments
- A double-blind RCT (n = 117) found that cure rates of dermatophyte onychomycosis were non-significantly lower with topical tea tree oil than with topical clotrimazole solution [Buck et al, 1994].
- People with distal subungual onychomycosis proven by culture received twice-daily application of either 100% tea tree oil or 1% clotrimazole solution for 6 months.
- On completion of treatment there was no significant difference between the two groups.
- The mycological cure rate for tea tree oil was 18% compared with 11% for clotrimazole.
- The clinical cure (full or partial) rate for tea tree oil was 60% compared with 61% for clotrimazole.
- Three months after completing treatment there was also no significant difference between the groups.
- The clinical cure (full or partial) rate for tea tree oil was 56% compared with 55% for clotrimazole.
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