"Australian tea tree oil, has a wide range of topical applications and is commonly used to treat skin and respiratory infections.  Surprisingly, the oil is active against all three categories of infectious organisms:  bacteria, viruses and fungi.  Tea Tree oil is an effective treatment for many skin conditions, such as cold sores, the blisters of shingles and chicken pox, verrucae, warts, acne, large inflamed spots and nappy rash.  It is also effective against fungal infections, such as ringworm, athlete's foot and thrush, as well as dandruff -- a mile form of seborrheic dermatitis."

Reference:  Anitra C. Carr, Ph.D., Tea Trees and Their Therapeutic Properties, The Linus Pauling Institute, Oregon, Fall/Winter 1998.