Burns caused by sulfur water exposure are rare but can lead to irritation and wounds with varying degrees of severity. Olive oil has long been used in wound healing due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. This case study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of olive oil in treating burn wounds caused by sulfur water exposure in a 6-year-old child on both lower limbs. The treatment involved applying extra virgin olive oil twice daily after cleansing the wounds with saline solution. Results showed significant improvement within ten days, including reduced inflammation, faster epithelialization, and minimal scarring. From an Islamic perspective, olive oil has been recognized for its healing properties. The Quran states: "Eat olive oil and use it as ointment, for it comes from a blessed tree." (Sunan Ibn Majah 3319). Scientifically, olive oil is rich in polyphenols, vitamin E, and oleic acid, which promote wound healing by reducing inflammation, oxidative stress, and microbial growth. This study supports the use of olive oil as a natural alternative therapy for mild to moderate burns. Further research is needed to explore its full potential in clinical settings.

Burn injuries are common tissue injuries resulting from exposure to heat, chemicals, electricity, or radiation. One uncommon cause is exposure to sulfur water, which contains high concentrations of sulfur and other minerals that can irritate the skin, leading to erythema, blister formation, and superficial to partial-thickness burns. The severity of burns from sulfur water depends on factors such as temperature, duration of exposure, and individual skin sensitivity. Proper treatment is essential to accelerate wound healing, reduce inflammation, and prevent secondary infections (Klein, 2018; Peleg et al., 2020).

Olive oil has been widely used in traditional and modern medicine due to its potent anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties. Studies suggest that its polyphenols, vitamin E, and oleic acid contribute to faster wound healing by reducing oxidative stress, promoting fibroblast proliferation, and enhancing collagen synthesis. These properties make olive oil a promising therapeutic agent for burn wounds, especially in cases where synthetic treatments are unavailable or have potential side effects (Visioli & Galli, 2002; Khairallah et al., 2020). This case study evaluates the effectiveness of extra virgin olive oil in treating sulfur water-induced burns in a 6-year-old child. By integrating biomedical insights and traditional Islamic medicine, this study aims to explore olive oil as a natural and accessible alternative for burn wound management.

A 6-year-old girl sustained burn injuries due to exposure to sulfur water while playing in a natural hot spring area. The patient presented with erythema, pain, and blisters on the skin of her legs and hands. The burns were classified as superficial second-degree burns. Treatment management included the application of pure extra virgin olive oil twice daily. Before applying the olive oil, the wound area was cleansed with a saline solution. Monitoring was conducted every three days to assess the progress of wound healing.

Burns caused by exposure to sulfur water can lead to skin irritation and tissue damage due to the high sulfur content. Sulfur, especially in high concentrations, can disrupt the skin barrier, cause chemical burns, and lead to inflammatory responses. The extent of the injury depends on factors such as temperature, exposure duration, and individual skin sensitivity (Peleg et al., 2020). Sulfur-related burns often present as erythema, blistering, and superficial to partial-thickness burns, necessitating immediate and appropriate wound management to minimize complications such as infection and scarring (Klein, 2018).

Biomedical Aspects of Olive Oil in Wound Healing:

Olive oil has long been recognized for its wound-healing properties, primarily due to its rich composition of polyphenols, vitamin E, and essential fatty acids. These bioactive compounds contribute to several mechanisms that facilitate wound repair:

1. Anti-inflammatory Properties

Olive oil contains oleocanthal, a compound with natural anti-inflammatory effects similar to ibuprofen. It helps reduce inflammatory markers such as TNF-α and IL-6, which are often elevated in burn injuries. By modulating the inflammatory response, olive oil prevents excessive tissue damage and promotes a more controlled healing process (Visioli & Galli, 2002).

2. Antioxidant Effects and Reduction of Oxidative Stress

Burn wounds often generate oxidative stress, leading to delayed healing and increased risk of complications. The polyphenols and vitamin E present in olive oil act as powerful antioxidants, neutralizing free radicals and enhancing tissue repair. Studies suggest that topical application of olive oil reduces lipid peroxidation and improves skin barrier function (Khairallah et al., 2020).

3. Promotion of Skin Regeneration and Collagen Synthesis

The presence of oleic acid in olive oil aids in the proliferation of fibroblasts and keratinocytes, which are essential for tissue regeneration. Furthermore, olive oil enhances collagen production, a crucial component for restoring skin integrity after burns. Clinical studies have shown that wounds treated with olive oil exhibit faster epithelialization and improved tissue remodeling compared to untreated wounds (Saad & Said, 2011).

4. Antimicrobial Activity

In burn injuries, preventing infection is a critical aspect of wound management. Olive oil exhibits antimicrobial properties against a wide range of bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which are common in burn wound infections. This antimicrobial effect is attributed to the phenolic compounds in olive oil, which disrupt bacterial cell membranes and reduce microbial adhesion to the wound site (Bardaa et al., 2016).

In this case, the patient showed significant improvement within 10 days of treatment with extra virgin olive oil. The reduction in erythema, inflammation, and the accelerated formation of healthy new tissue indicate that olive oil played a crucial role in wound healing. Compared to conventional wound dressings, olive oil offered a natural and safe alternative with minimal risk of side effects. Additionally, its ease of application and affordability make it a practical choice for managing mild to moderate burns.

Islamic Perspective on Olive Oil in Healing:

Islamic medicine has long recognized the benefits of olive oil in health and healing. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: "Eat olive oil and use it as an ointment, for it comes from a blessed tree." (Sunan Ibn Majah 3319).

The Quran also emphasizes the significance of the olive tree:."By the fig and the olive, and [by] Mount Sinai, and [by] this secure city [Mecca], we have certainly created man in the best of stature." (Quran 95:1-4).

These references highlight olive oil’s importance not only as a dietary component but also as a medicinal substance with divine blessings. The convergence of modern biomedical research and Islamic tradition further supports the use of olive oil as a beneficial remedy for wound healing.

The findings in this study align with existing scientific evidence, demonstrating that olive oil is effective in managing burn injuries by reducing inflammation, enhancing skin regeneration, and preventing infection. This case reinforces the potential of olive oil as a natural, safe, and accessible alternative therapy for mild to moderate burns. Further clinical studies are needed to establish standardized treatment protocols and explore its broader applications in wound care.

Subhanallah, Glory be to Allah, the Ultimate Healer. All praise is due to Allah SWT, the Lord of all worlds, who has created everything in perfect balance and granted healing to His servants through both modern medical advancements and natural remedies passed down from the time of the prophets. May peace and blessings be upon Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, the best example for humanity, who has taught us wisdom in maintaining health and healing. May Allah also bless Imam Mahdi, who, in the end times, will bring justice and truth to humanity. We also extend our utmost respect and reverence to Prophet Isa AS, his righteous family, and his devoted followers in the end times. Prophet Isa AS stands as a symbol of mercy and healing, performing miracles by Allah's permission. May we be among those who remain steadfast in truth and brotherhood during the final days. Furthermore, we extend our respect to Banu Tamim and Banu Hashim, noble lineages that have played significant roles in the history of Islam, known for their dedication to justice, leadership, and unwavering commitment to the truth. A special acknowledgment goes to the seekers of peace in the end times, those who strive to uphold goodness, justice, and the well-being of humanity in a world full of challenges. May their efforts be counted as acts of righteousness and rewarded abundantly by Allah SWT. Finally, we pray that this research benefits the medical community and serves as an inspiration for developing natural therapies rooted in both scientific knowledge and divine wisdom. Allahumma Ameen.