Prepubertal Gynaecomastia

Prepubertal gynaecomastia is breast-tissue growth in boys before puberty, and premature thelarche is the equivalent early breast development in girls. Both are usually idiopathic and often regress on their own. Henley et al. (NEJM 2007) linked three cases to lavender and tea tree Essential Oils in skin products. By 2023, 12 children had been reported, all regressing after stopping. A 2023 review judged the association weak and causation unproven (Braunstein 2023). It matters for toddler eczema because lavender-scented ‘calming’ baby washes and balms are widely used.

Connections

• Essential Oils — case reports with lavender/tea tree; causation disputed, source: Henley 2007; Braunstein 2023