Comparing the Effect of Tea Tree Oil and Lavender on Bacterial Samples of Nurses’ Hands

Abstract

Objective: One of the most typical ways of transmitting the infection is by hand; thus, much emphasis has been placed on hand hygiene. In this regard, this study aimed to determine the effect of tea tree oil and lavender on bacterial samples found in nurses’ hands. Methods: This quasi-experimental study was performed on all nurses working in ICU wards. The samples were selected by an easy non-probability sampling method. The research tools were demographic information questionnaires and a bacterial culture registration form. In the intervention phase, on the first day in the first experimental group, 2 drops of lavender oil, on the second day, 2 drops of tea tree oil, and on the third day, 2 drops of distilled water were poured on the nurse’s palm, and their hands were massaged for 10 seconds. Before and after the intervention, culture samples were taken from each group. The obtained data were analyzed with the Chi-square test, paired t test, and ANOVA in SPSS software v. 20 at a significant level of less than 0.05. Results: The most common organisms isolated at the beginning of the study were Staphylococcus epidermidis (76.8%), Staphylococcus aureus (8.8%), Klebsiella spp. (7.9%), and Escherichia coli (6.5%). The use of lavender oil and tea tree has been effective in reducing the microbial load of the palm. Hand massage with lavender oil had less effect on reducing germs (P=0.003), but tea tree oil had a more significant reduction of pathogens (P=0.001). Conclusion: Lavender and tea tree oil reduced the microbial load of nurses. Both methods have been effective, but the effect of tea tree oil was more significant. Therefore, their use in handwashing is recommended to eliminate palm bacteria in ICU staff.