Dry skin isn't often a serious condition, reports MayoClinic.com, but it can be uncomfortable and unsightly. Dry skin is also known as xerosis and often results from environmental factors that you can control. Although the American Emu Association claims that emu oil is used as a superior skin supplement, there is not enough medical evidence to back up the theory that emu oil can help your dry skin.
Symptoms
Dry skin symptoms include skin that is shrunken, feels tight or has a dehydrated appearance and rough texture. MayoClinic.com notes that dry skin may also result in intense itching and be characterized by fine lines, cracks or redness. Dry skin can also flake off or peel.
History
The aboriginal people of Australia have used emu oil for centuries, according to Drugs.com. Emu oil was used to treat a variety of skin conditions as well as muscle and joint problems. Today, the Emu Producers International Cooperative produces about 5,000 lbs. of emu oil per day.
Function
Emu oil contains the essential fatty acid omega-3. Omega-3 fatty acid, according to the University of Maryland's Medical Center, is able to reduce inflammation. They also note that omega-3 deficiencies often result in dry skin. Emu oil products are designed to penetrate easily and deeply into your skin, and the oil has been tested as a lubricant. Further studies need to be conducted, however, before emu oil can be recommended as a treatment for dry skin.
Benefits
Emu oil is not known to cause any skin sensitivities or irritations. It may also act as a carrier agent, allowing other topical medications to be absorbed more easily and be more effective.
Warnings
Dry skin is usually not serious, but it is possible that your dry skin indicates an underlying medical condition. It may be caused by eczema, which usually requires prescription topical treatments. Folliculitis is an inflammation of the hair follicles that can manifest in symptoms of dry skin. Another condition marked by dry skin is cellulitis, a potentially serious bacterial infection, according to MayoClinic.com.
Robert Nicolosi, a biochemist at the University of Massachusetts-Lowell, advises people not to rely too heavily on emu oil, as it has not yet been proved to work. Nicolosi recommends considering products with proven efficacy. Consult your doctor or dermatologist to determine what is causing your dry skin and how you can best treat it and avoid any possible health risks.
Side Effects
There are no known side effects of using emu oil. But because the safety of using emu oil during pregnancy or breast-feeding has not yet been established, you should avoid using emu oil if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.
Member Comments