Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Emu oil has been traditionally used by Indigenous Australians for its purported healing and anti-inflammatory properties, but its use in eczema is increasingly discussed in the context of modern scientific investigation. Several preclinical studies have explored emu oil’s effects on skin inflammation and barrier function. For example, animal studies suggest that emu oil can reduce inflammation and may enhance wound healing, potentially due to its rich content of unsaturated fatty acids, including oleic and linoleic acid, which are important for skin health.

However, human clinical data specifically investigating emu oil for eczema (atopic dermatitis) are sparse. A 2013 pilot study found that emu oil was as effective as a commercial moisturizer in improving symptoms in patients with eczema, but the sample size was small and the methodology limited. Other studies have focused more broadly on emu oil’s moisturizing and anti-inflammatory potential, rather than directly assessing outcomes in eczema patients.

Overall, while laboratory and preliminary clinical studies hint at possible benefits, there is insufficient high-quality evidence to firmly recommend emu oil as a primary treatment for eczema. More robust randomized controlled trials are necessary to establish its efficacy and safety. Thus, the scientific evidence supporting emu oil use for eczema is limited and rated as weak (2/5).

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