Will the spots left after a facial burn from tea tree oil go away?

Dec 02, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

The face was accidentally burned by tea tree essential oil, leaving behind brown spots. I'm a bit concerned that the spots might not fade away—what are the possible solutions?

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Liu Wenmin

Spots left on the face after a burn caused by tea tree oil are usually due to pigmentation resulting from skin irritation caused by the essential oil. This type of pigmentation typically gradually fades over time after discontinuation of the oil. Mild pigmentation may fade within weeks to months, but deeper scars may take longer to recover, and might not completely fade naturally.

The patient should immediately stop using the tea tree oil that caused the burn to avoid further skin irritation. Maintain facial skin cleanliness in daily life by washing with clean water, and avoid using cosmetics or skincare products that are irritating. Additionally, use sunscreen with a high SPF to protect against UV radiation, which can worsen pigmentation. It's also important to ensure adequate intake of vitamins C and E, and to eat more vegetables and fruits to help promote skin health and recovery. Avoid consuming irritating foods such as coffee, milk tea, and papaya, which may exacerbate pigmentation.

If the marks affect appearance or mental health, consider consulting a dermatologist to explore professional treatment options such as laser therapy, microneedling, or chemical peels.