Topical Effect of Turmeric in Superficial Burns.

ABSTRACT

Sterilized ethanol extract of turmeric in petroleum jelly gauze was used topically in 306 patients of superficial burns which were compared with petroleum jelly gauze application at another burn site in same patient thereby providing advantage of self-controls. On third day of the application of turmeric, the burn wounds were found clinically clean and healthy, without any apparent infection in 52% as compared to 16% in control sites. With turmeric a clean, healthy and dry area was seen, which was less pronounced in control wounds. On day 11 of the therapy, 16% of turmeric sites showed signs of wound infection as against 82% of control sites. The swab culture correlated well with the clinical findings. With the use of turmeric the healing was rapid, with good epithelialization.