Selected Nutritional/Alternative Medicine Approaches for burn victims.
I?ll look for more options and post at another time. These will
help, please consider using them.
If you are interested in specifics regarding any of these approaches I
suggest you find a licensed Naturopathic physician to help you. You
can find one by going to www.naturopathic.org. You can also check out
www.connecticutcenterforhealth.com to learn more about Naturopathic
medicine.
These approaches are based on the notion that if you increase healing
of the skin the pain will subside to some degree.
As controversial as it is an option to consider is the use of medical
marijuana. Medical use of marijuana in this case will probably bring
about some pain relief and ease anxiety. You?ll have to obtain a
source. I suggest putting it into food. I cannot advise you as to
dose. You?ll have to experiment starting with small amounts and
working your way up.
I would also try homeopathic therapy. It is simple, easy and cheap to
use. You?ll have to find an experienced homeopathic practitioner in
your area to prescribe the appropriate remedies.
Nutritional
Omega-3 Fatty Acids ? Specifically fish oil and to a lesser extent flax oil
In experimental work with animals, researchers were able to show that
the omega-3 fatty acids had an important influence on outcome
variables following severe burn injury. Dietary fatty acids alter
phospholipid composition of cell membranes and the quantity and types
of prostaglandins that are synthesized. Improving the ratio of omega-3
to omega-6 fatty acids enhances immune function and reduces
inflammation.(22)
L-Glutamine ? an amino acid
Sever injury, such as burns, cause plasma glutamine levels to decline
substantially. In one study, patients with major burn injuries, the
plasma glutamine concentration was 58% lower than that in normal
controls and it remained low for at least 21 days after the injury.
These findings indicate that the decrease in plasma glutamine
concentration may contribute to the injury-induced impairment of
immune function occurring after major burn injury.(23) Glutamine
increases nitrogen retention, helps preserve skeletal muscle mass,
reduces the incidence of wound and general infections, and shortens
hospital stays in patients suffering from burns.(24)
Arginine ? an amino acid
Results from animal studies indicate that arginine supplementation
decreases the mRNA expression of inflammatory cytokines in organs and
improves the survival rate after thermal injury.(25)
The recoveries of burn patients receiving 2% of energy supplied by
arginine were compared to similar burn patients who did not receive
arginine. Arginine was found to significantly enhance the T lymphocyte
response to phytohemagglutinin, CD4 phenotype expression, CD4/CD8
ratio, IL-2 production and IL-2 receptor expression, as compared with
the control group. These improvements prompted researchers to suggest
that arginine should become one of the most important nutrients
supplied to burn patients.(26)
Vitamin C
Thirty-seven patients with burns over more than 30% of their total
body surface area, hospitalized within 2 hours after injury, were
randomly divided into ascorbic acid and control groups. The results of
this prospective, randomized study were significantly reduced
resuscitation fluid volume requirements, body weight gain, and wound
edema after adjuvant administration of high-dose ascorbic acid (66
mg/kg per hour) during the first 24 hours following thermal injury.
There was also a reduction in the severity of respiratory dysfunction
in these patients.(27)
Ascorbic acid has also been used topically in combination with other
substances as a safe and effective method of improving repair and
controlling infection of wounds. The protocol consists of daily
debridement and a topically, balanced solution consisting of salts,
amino acids, a high-molecular weight D-glucose polysaccharide, and
ascorbic acid. Wounds treated with this solution were second- and
third-degree thermal burns, diabetic lesions, decubitus, varicose and
stasis ulcers. The majority of cases responded quickly and local
infection was controlled early. In 4 to 8 weeks, small- and
medium-sized lesions were healed.(28)
Vitamin E
The bodies of patients who have been severely burned undergo a
substantial increase in oxidative free radical damage. In one study,
serum vitamin E levels decreased most significantly from days 6 to 8
postburn in burn patients, while serum lipid peroxides increased
significantly. In burn patients who received vitamin E, serum vitamin
E levels increased and lipid peroxides decreased to the levels of
healthy people. These results suggest that providing burn patients
with supplemental vitamin E may provide substantial benefit.(29)
However, several studies report that topical application of vitamin E
to burns is ineffective and in some cases may actually be
detrimental.(30, 31)
Zinc
Zinc has a long history as an agent used to promote wound healing. It
was used topically as calamine lotion as far back as 1500 BC by the
Egyptians. There are over 200 zinc requiring enzymes in the body. For
example, DNA polymerase is required for cellular proliferation during
healing, and zinc-containing superoxide dismutase is an important
anti-oxidant enzyme. During an infection, leukocytes produce free
radicals to kill bacteria. Zn-SOD is an important part of our immune
system, which protects our body from damage while free radicals are
being produced to fight an infection.(32)
Stress from events such as burns, surgery, or other accidental injury,
causes serum zinc levels to decline.(33) One explanation for the fall
in serum zinc levels during wound healing is because zinc is mobilized
to the trauma site. Zinc concentrates in wounds during the period of
collagen synthesis and affects the strength of new tissue. It is
thought that this is why topical administration of zinc improves wound
healing, even in patients who are not zinc deficient.(34) Topical
administration of zinc chloride (spray or ointment) reduces the size
of the wound and shortens healing time.(35)
In zinc deficiency, there is delayed closure of wounds and ulcers and
the collagen produced during zinc deficiency has weaker tensile
strength.(36) Zinc deficiency also compromises the immune system in
several ways. It causes a decrease in the number of lymphocytes and
natural killer T-cells, and a decrease in the size of the thymus,
resulting in an increased susceptibility to recurring infections and
poor wound healing.(37)
Honey
Honey dressings are reported to be an effective treatment for burns.
Honey's high viscosity enables it to form a physical barrier, which
prevents bacterial colonization and reduces the incidence of
infections in wounds. The antibacterial effects are reportedly due to
hydrogen peroxide, which is produced due to the action of the enzyme
glucose oxidase secreted by the bees. The viscous barrier formed by
honey creates a moist environment, which helps quicken wound healing.
Nutrients in honey, such as levulose and fructose, improve the local
nutrition and promote epithelialization.(38)
Herbal
Aloe Vera
Aloe, a genus with over 150 species, is mostly native to East and
South Africa. Aloe is a succulent plant that has been used medicinally
for centuries. Records of its use date back to 1750 BC. Aloe vera (a
synonym for Aloe species) leaf gel has been used for centuries as a
topical wound healing agent for traumatic wounds (from mechanical,
traumatic, or thermal injury, including contusions, abrasions,
punctures, fractures, sunburn, burns, and frost bite), and chronic
wounds (including pressure and diabetic ulcers).(39) In one study, it
was observed that aloe increased the collagen content of granulation
tissue as well as cross-linking as seen by increased aldehyde content
and decreased acid solubility.(40) The type I/ type III collagen ratio
of treated groups was lower than that of the untreated controls,
indicating enhanced levels of type III collagen.
The influence of aloe on the glycosaminoglycan (GAG) components of the
matrix in a healing wound has also been reported as a mechanism in
wound healing. The early stage of wound healing is characterized by
the deposit of a provisional matrix, followed by the formation of
granulation tissue and synthesis of collagen and elastin. A recent
study reported the influence of aloe vera on the content of GAG and
its types in the granulation tissue of healing wounds.(41) The amount
of ground substance synthesized was found to be higher in wounds
treated with aloe vera gel, with the levels of reported
glycohydrolases (hyaluronic acid and dermatan sulfate) being elevated,
indicating increased turnover of the matrix. Both topical and oral
treatments with aloe vera were found to have a positive influence on
the synthesis of GAGs and contribute to wound healing. An amorphous
hydrogel dressing derived from the aloe plant containing acemannan is
approved by the FDA for the management of stages I through IV pressure
ulcers.(42)
Aloe contains vitamins and minerals (including vitamin C, E, and zinc)
reported to be beneficial in wound healing.(43, 44)
Aloe vera has been reported for years to be effective in treating
various types of burns.(45, 46) A recent study supported these
findings, where aloe vera gel was reported to increase
microcirculation to the burn area, causing vasodilation and increased
post-capillary venular permeability.(47) There has been a report of
aloe hindering the wound healing process, causing a thickness of
granulation tissue with a decreased amount of hair follicles as
compared to 1% silver sulfadiazine cream.(48)
Aloe vera gel also reportedly aids in wound healing topically due its
anti-inflammatory activity.(49) Aloe constituents with
anti-inflammatory activity include: mannose-6-phosphate;(50, 51) the
glycoproteins aloctin A and alprogen;(52, 53) a C-glucosyl
chromone;(54) the anthraquinones;(55) and gibberellin.(56)
St. John's Wort
St. John's wort has gained a great deal of attention for its use in
minor depression. St. John's wort also has traditional uses in the
topical treatment of superficial wounds, burns and dermatitis. In a
study, an ointment containing an extract of hypericum was compared
with untreated skin in inflammatory conditions of the skin such as
wounds and burns.(57) Treatment with the hypericum ointment resulted
in a significant suppression of the mixed epidermal cell lymphocyte
reaction MECLR and also of the proliferation of T lymphocytes. These
results may provide a rationale for the traditional treatment of
inflammatory skin disorders with topical hypericum extracts.
Another study evaluated the wound healing potential of a hypericum
ointment applied to wounds of laboratory animals.(58) The effect
produced by the extract ointment, in terms of wound contracting
ability, wound closure time, regeneration of tissues at wound site,
tensile strength of the wound and histopathological characteristics
were comparable to those of nitrofurazone ointment.
Calendula
Used since ancient times as a healing agent, calendula is mentioned in
herbal books that date back to 1373. The name calendula refers to the
plant's tendency to bloom in accordance with the calendar ? every
month in some regions of the Mediterranean, or during the new moon.
Used historically as "poor man's saffron", calendula was used both as
a culinary herb and spice as well as a medicinal agent. Extracts of
calendula flowers are popular in Europe where they are employed in
various first aid creams and cosmetics. Calendula is a very popular
homeopathic remedy also, used topically for skin problems including
diaper rash and other conditions in children and infants.(59)
Calendula is listed in the German Commission E Monographs for use as a
mouthwash for the oral and pharyngeal mucosa as well as topically for
the skin.(60)
Calendula extracts have been used topically to promote wound healing,
with several studies reporting a measurable effect. In a laboratory
study, an ointment containing a 5% fractionated extract of calendula
flowers markedly stimulated the physiological regeneration and
epithelialization of wound tissue, reported to be due to more
intensive metabolism of glycoproteins, nucleoproteins and collagen
proteins during the regenerative period in the tissues.(61) Another
later study reported immune activation by calendula extracts using in
vitro granulocyte tests and in vivo carbon clearance tests, both
laboratory determinants of immune activation.(62) Calendula extracts
have also been reported to be anti-inflammatory, which also aids in
wound repair and healing.(63, 64) The anti-inflammatory effect has
been reported to be due to the triterpenoids (specifically faradiol)
found in calendula.(65) Various case reports of calendula preparations
healing wounds, including traumatic wounds and chronic wounds
(including pressure sores and diabetic ulcers).(66)
Gotu Kola
Gotu kola is reported to have a positive effect on tissues,
specifically skin, connective tissue, lymph and mucous membranes.(67,
68, 69) It does not contain any caffeine and is not related in any way
to kola nut. Gotu kola has been used primarily for venous
insufficiency, soft tissue inflammation and infection and for
postsurgical wound healing.(70, 71) Asiaticosides are reported to
exert a preferential stimulation of collagen synthesis, in addition to
stimulating glycosaminoglycan synthesis.(72) Also, gotu kola's affects
the connective tissue by strengthening weakened veins.(73) Gotu kola
may assist in the maintenance of connective tissue. In the treatment
of scleroderma, gotu kola may also assist in stabilizing connective
tissue growth, reducing its formation.(69) It reportedly stimulates
the formation of hyaluronidase and chondroitin sulfate, as well as
exerting a balancing effect on the connective tissue.(74) It is
believed to have an effect on keratinization, which aids in thickening
skin in areas of infection.(75) Gotu kola is used topically and
internally for skin conditions including psoriasis and eczema.(76)
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