Austrian natural ointment (Theresienöl®) with a high potential in wound healing – A European review

Background

The use of Theresienöl® (T.O.) a traditional Austrian natural product has been traced back to1350. Medical wound care has always been a major concern and problem for people, especially in the Middle Ages. Еven the smallest injuries or open wounds to become fatal due to poor hygienic conditions. Access to natural fats and vegetable ingredients made it possible to create a unique ointment named Theresienöl® which successfully treated multiple skin injuries including wounds, burns and scars.

Methods

1,354 patients suffering of therapy-refractory skin injuries treated with T.O. within 38 centers between 2004–2020 in a cohort study. These were used for this review. Patients were divided by clinical criteria based on application duration and daily rate of reapplication strictly individualized depending on the degree of damage and efficiency results depending on the duration of the problem and the presence of chronic concomitant diseases. With a simplified application process a fine film of 2 drops/1 cm of the product (Depending on the vehicle of choice) over the wound or the affected areas, with a waiting time until partial absorption takes place followed by the dressing. It can be applied directly over the wound or over sterile bandages. The Primary endpoints were pain reduction, patient satisfaction both physically and aesthetically. Additionally we performed dermatological testing for irritation and allergy potential and rule out further side effects.

Results

After further evaluation of the 1,354 cases, statistically it showed an averaged of 89 % improvement rate in inflammation, an 88 % reduction rate in pruritus, 87 % of improved epithelisation, 93 % in patient benefit, and 91 % show improvement in wound closure. The Visual Analogue Scale of pain started at 8.29 a marked reduction was noted in the first 24 h with an average of 2.41. followed by a stable slow reduction of 1.73 on the 7th day.

Conclusion

Treatment of Therapy-Refractory skin injuries including burns, scars, acute in addition to chronic wounds with T.O., which is nearly 700 years old has shown for the first time exceptional results in an outpatient setting and was successful in alleviating inflammation, pain, itching and discomfort associated with wound care, thus providing an optimal opportunity for the wound to heal sufficiently and quickly without reported side effects.