The Effect of Egg Yolk Oil in the Healing of Third Degree Burn Wound in Rats

Background: Burn injury is a major cause of death and disability worldwide. A domestic medication in wound healing, preventing infection and reduction of scar tissue as well as availability is still an important challenge. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of yolk egg oil in treatment of burn wounds in rats. Methods: A standard 3rd degree burn wound was produced and the animals were divided into three groups according to topical treatment including yolk oil, 1% silver sulfadiazine (SSD) and control. In days 7, 14 and 30, animal’s weight, wound size, as well as histopathological findings of skin were evaluated in different groups. Results: Average size of wound after 7 days was 3.4, 5.3, and 6.7 cm in yolk oil, SSD and control groups. There were significant differences between yolk oil and the other groups in this aspect. The wound size of yolk egg group was also significantly smaller than other groups in 14th and 30th days. Results of the histological studies indicated significant differences between yolk oil, SSD and control groups on day 30, with mean score of 3.75, 3.5 and 2.8 respectively. The difference between yolk oil and the other groups was significant. Conclusion: Yolk oil–treated burned animals showed abundant re-epithelialization without tissue scar in comparison with SSD group. Although the egg yolk has many vital nutrients, but its exact mechanism in healing process is unknown. Therefore, further studies evaluating the influence of individual components on burn-healing process is advised.