Possible efficacy of Lavender and Tea tree oils in the treatment of young women affected by mild idiopathic hirsutism.

Hirsutism is defined as the presence of excessive terminal hair in androgen-dependent areas of a woman's body. Regarding this it has been suggested that Lavender and Tea tree oils may have antiandrogenic activities. To evaluate therapy based on Lavender and Tea tree oils in women suffering from mild idiopathic hirsutism (IH). A prospective, open-label, placebo- controlled, randomized study was performed: women affected by mild IH were randomly assigned to receive oil spray containing Lavender and Tea tree oils (group T) (no. = 12) or placebo (group P) (no. = 12) twice a day for 3 months in areas affected by hirsutism. Evaluation of hirsutism was carried out at baseline and after 3 months by Ferriman-Gallwey score and by measuring hair diameter taken from some body areas. A hematological and hormonal evaluation was carried out at baseline and after 3 months. No significant variations were found in any of the hormones studied in groups T and P between baseline and after 3 months. A statistically significant decrease of hirsutism total score and of hair diameter was found in group T, while no statistically significant difference in these two parameters was observed in group P; in group T percentual reduction of hair diameter was significantly greater than in group P. Lavender and Tea tree oils applied locally on skin could be effective in reducing mild IH; this treatment could represent a safe, economic and practical instrument in the cure of this disease.