Abstract:
The rationale behind this study was to develop a topical tea tree oil formulation and to evaluate its usefulness as a new therapy in the treatment of burns. Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree) oil 5% cream was prepared, characterized, and compared to silver sulphadiazine (SSD) 1% which is the most frequently used topical therapy as regard the pain, infection, healing and epithelization. The healing was achieved in 90% of patients of study group within two weeks, in comparison to 80% of patients of control group. No local irritation of skin was reported in study group but two patients were reported in control group. Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree) oil topical formulation showed an apparent anti-inflammatory effect , reduce edema and erythema that occurs after burn, and showed analgesic effect by relief the pain shortly after use, so the patient would not need further analgesic treatment as those under treatment with SSD cream.

Keywords: Tea Tree Oil, Topical, Silver Sulphadiazine, Burns.