2. May Reduce Inflammation
Tea tree oil can soothe inflamed skin by reducing redness and swelling around the piercing. A mice study found that terpinen-4-ol in tea tree oil reduced swelling associated with contact hypersensitivity (an allergic condition that causes swelling, redness, and irritation) (1). Thus, topical tea tree oil may also reduce the swelling, itching, and discomfort associated with piercings and speed up healing.
3. May Promote Wound Healing
Tea tree oil can speed up wound healing by reducing bacterial activity. A study evaluated the wound healing potential of tea tree oil in 10 participants and reported that it reduced healing time in nine of them (3). You can use tea tree oil on body piercings to ensure effective and fast healing. However, be careful before using it on piercings on sensitive areas like around the eyes and inside the mouth. The next section discusses how you may use tea tree oil safely on the piercings.
How To Use Tea Tree Oil On Your Piercing
External Piercing
Spot treatment works best for external piercing on the nose, eyebrows, ears, lips, and navel. You must dilute the TTO before applying it to your skin.
Internal Piercing
Rinses and soaks are the way to clean piercings on sensitive areas like the tongue and genitals.
For tongue piercings
For genital piercings
Do a patch test before using tea tree oil to avoid allergic reactions. Moreover, you have to be cautious when using it for oral piercings. Keep reading to learn the adverse effects of using tea tree oil.
Side Effects Of Using Tea Tree Oil For Piercings
May Cause Poisoning: Ingesting tea tree oil may cause poisoning and lead to drowsiness and confusion. Animal studies found that lower doses of TTO caused lethargy and loss of muscle coordination. Higher doses of TTO could be lethal. However, no human deaths have been reported due to TTO ingestion (1). May Cause Allergic Reactions: TTO is considered safe for external use unless you are allergic to it. Essential oils are potential allergens and may cause redness, rashes, swelling, itching, and hives.
Avoid using tea tree oil if you are pregnant or lactating, as the safety and effects of using tea tree oil during pregnancy are unknown. Remember that tea tree oil for piercings is a complementary remedy and cannot replace medical treatments. Hence, always follow the doctor’s advice for proper wound care. Also, consult your doctor if you notice swelling, foul odor, pus, or blood on the piercing site.
How Long Does It Take Tea Tree Oil To Heal Piercing?
It can take up to two weeks for tea tree oil to heal the piercing. The downtime also depends on the type and location of piercings. It may take longer to heal piercings on sensitive areas like the genitals, nipples, and around the eyes.
Is tea tree oil good for piercing bumps? Yes. Tea tree oil has antimicrobial and antiseptic properties that make it ideal for treating piercing bumps and preventing further infection (4). Can tea tree oil make keloid worse? No. There is currently no evidence that indicates that tea tree oil can make keloids worse. However, ensure that you conduct a patch test to check for adverse effects. How do you help piercings heal faster? You can follow simple aftercare tips such as cleaning your piercing carefully every day and resting to promote faster healing.
