Enhancing Skin Cicatrization with Natural Sources – The Role of Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids (PUFAs) and Beeswax

Abstract

Objectives: To evaluate the effectiveness and tolerance in patients with RDEB of an ointment with the following active ingredients: petroleum jelly (30%), cod liver oil (10%), beeswax, sunflower oil, BHT, sweet almond oil. The formulation does not contain antibiotics or corticosteroids. Methods: A prospective study was carried out on a cohort of ten patients diagnosed with RDEB confirmed by molecular biology that are followed at the Centre for Research in Genodermatosis and EB. Given the seriousness of the pathology and the difficulties in obtaining good results with the therapeutic resources available, a one-year pilot test was performed with the use of an off-label drug. The therapeutic effectiveness was evaluated as well as the tolerance and safety of the ointment. Patients with infected injuries, anaemic with hemoglobin levels lower than 8 g/dl or albumin levels lower than 3 g/dl were excluded from the study. Before starting the treatment, a complete blood test was carried out. Lesions were evaluated by a grading system considering the compromise, depth and edges of the injury. Photographs of the injuries were taken at the beginning and at weekly controls for the first month and later monthly. The ointment was applied after bathing on sterilised dressings, followed by the placement of secondary dressings that allowed the oxygenation of the lesions. Both applications were changed every 12 or 24 hours. Results: The drug was evaluated for the period of one-year in each patient. No adverse effects were observed. It was well tolerated and blood tests results were not affected. After 48 hours of initiating the treatment the patients reported: absence of pain, increase of average sleep, decrease in the use of analgesic medication, faster healing of blisters in the skin, diminishing the affected areas and significant improvement in life quality. Conclusions: Even though the number of patients in the study was small, the results obtained allow us to conclude that this medication may be beneficial to alleviate the signs and symptoms of patients with RDEB. Subsequent studies on a greater number of patients will allow the confirmation of the seen couraging results.