Elderly nursing home residents are at a high risk of developing pressure ulcers, also known as bedsores, which can be painful and take a long time to heal. To address this problem, a recent clinical trial was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of a topical solution made from olive oil for preventing pressure ulcers.
The clinical trial compared the use of olive oil with a commonly used product called hyperoxygenated fatty acid compound (HOFA) in preventing pressure ulcers. The study was conducted on 571 elderly nursing home residents with a risk of developing pressure ulcers. The results showed that the topical application of olive oil worked just as well as HOFA in preventing pressure ulcers and that there were no adverse effects associated with the use of olive oil.
Not only did olive oil prove to be as effective as HOFA, but it is also a natural product used traditionally for thousands of years that is rich in essential fatty acids, phytosterols, and squalene. These molecules provide olive oil with exceptional skincare properties that provide hydration and elasticity to the skin, helping to prevent skin peeling or tears in people at risk of pressure ulcers.
In conclusion, the results of this clinical trial demonstrate the benefits of using olive oil for pressure ulcer prevention. It is not only as effective as the commonly used product HOFA, but it is also a natural product that provides hydration and elasticity to the skin, making it a safe and effective alternative for preventing pressure ulcers in the elderly.
Study Title: Effectiveness and safety of olive oil preparation for topical use in pressure ulcer prevention: Multicentre, controlled, randomised, and double‐blinded clinical trial
Study Link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7949451