Topical ozonated oil versus hyaluronic gel for the treatment of partial- to full-thickness second-degree burns: A prospective, comparative, single-blind, non-randomised, controlled clinical trial

Abstract

Introduction and aim: Several studies have demonstrated that ozonated oil is effective on cutaneous wound healing. This in vivo study has been conducted to evaluate the clinical effect of the topical application of ozonated oil for 12 weeks on second-degree skin burns.

Method: A total of 30 patients suffering from second-degree skin burns in the phase of re-epithelisation were included in this study. Every skin burn was subdivided in two symmetrical parts. One part was treated with occlusive application of ozonated oil; the contralateral part of the lesion was treated with topical application of hyaluronic acid gel, once a day for 12 weeks. A clinical evaluation and an intra-vital video-capillaroscopy were performed on every patient at baseline, 6 and 12 weeks after.

Results: All treated lesions improved regardless of the treatment used. Ozonated oil was as effective as hyaluronic acid in improving erythema, tension, itching and burning sensation reported by patients, and it does not exert a specific anti-angiogenic effect compared to hyaluronic acid. However it seems more effective than hyaluronic acid in reducing post-lesional hyperpigmentation.

Conclusion: Ozonated oil, topically applied for 12 weeks, seems to be as effective as hyaluronic acid in reducing symptoms related to skin burns, but it could be more effective in preventing the post-lesional hyperpigmentation.

Keywords: Burn; Hyaluronic acid; Ozonated oil.