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AEA Research: Oil On Burns
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.
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