AEA Sponsors Research Using Oil For Burn Treatment The involvement of emu oil in the healing process of burn wounds. According to Dr. John Griswold, Director of the Center, "Care for the reepithelialized bum wound is one of the most important steps in the total recovery of the burn patient. This care includes topical applications of burn salves to aid elasticity, lubrication and the continued physiological processes of healing of new and applied skin." Harnar noted that investigations have been conducted to evaluate the properties of specific emollients in the healing process. Superior emollients may increase penetration to the skin and aid in diminishing inflammation and scar formation. Therefore, if a new agent is found that could improve the healed burn wound, this product would definitely be favored over products currently in use. Healed burn wounds are painful and pose many difficulties for the recovery of a burned patient. Inflammation, lack of moisture, and wound sensitivity often are cited as impediments in daily activities and therapy. Current emollients vary in the ability to penetrate skin and decrease sensitivity and associated pain. Adequate lubrication aids the healing process by providing moisture in areas where sebaceous glands are depleted or currently dysfunctional. There have been many types of emollients used in the heated wound. Aloe vera is known for its healing properties and is used in some emollients. Also lanolin, a common additive to many lotions, is supplemented to the emollients currently used. Inflammation is the normal response to healing. This inflammation also causes scar tissue to form. To counter this, pressure is applied and the area of the wound is mobilized. A salve with both moisturizing and anti-inflammatory activities would be quite advantageous. Oleic acid, the most prevalent fatty acid in emu oil, is well known for its capability of transporting bioactive compounds through the skin . This penetrating capability of emu oil is a significant addition to the other purported characteristics. Approximately 2.5 million people seek medical attention for burn injuries each year. Virtually all require some type of lubricant application during their recovery. This provides a large segment of the population with potential need for an emu oil product. The study will be a double-blind study of healed burn wounds. The standard emollient will be used on half of the patients while an emollient mixed with emu oil would be used on the other half. The patient will be monitored for patient acceptance and actual objective response to moisturizing capabilities. Also the purported anti-inflammatory characteristics will be evaluated. The average patient is followed for four months. Twenty patients will be evaluated with ten receiving a standard emollient and ten receiving an emollient with emu oil. Pictures will be taken at the beginning, middle, and end of treatment. The data will be collected and processed weekly. The samples of emollient are blinded and randomized so not to bias results of patients or investigators. The emu oil's constancy and composition will be assessed. These data will be evaluated to determine the significance of emu oil versus currently used products.