A study was summarized with the evidence on the efficacy and safety of essential oils (EOs) in the treatment of topical infections. A systematic review of clinical trials conducted and reported in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) guideline were collected. Essential oil of any type along with standard treatment and placebo were used. The study outcome included total acne count, severity index of acne, decrease in total acne surface area, number of non-inflammatory acne lesions and inflammatory acne lesions, microbial cure rate, microbial decolonization rate, and new microbial development.

The results of the study showed non-significant but higher proportion of MRSA that was cleared in EOs group (69%) as compared to routine care (45%). Essential oils significantly reduced the level of new MRSA appearance as compared to routine care. Out of the five studies on acne treatment, four studies showed equal or superior efficacy of EOs and the remaining one study showed inferior efficacy to a control. Effectiveness of essential oils was non-inferior as compared to a standard treatment but was superior to a placebo in treatment of topical fungal infections.

The study concluded that essential oils should be considered as an alternative treatment for acne, decolonization of MRSA, and topical fungal infections.

Source: Deyno S, Mtewa AG, Abebe A, et al. Essential oils as topical anti-infective agents: A systematic review and meta-analysis.Complement Ther Med. 2019 Dec;47:102224.