Hyaluronic acid accelerates re-epithelialization and healing of acute cutaneous wounds.

OBJECTIVE

Hyaluronic acid has been efficient in ameliorating and supporting recovery in both chronic and acute lesions. The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of hyaluronic acid-based cream and gauze pads in cutaneous wounds.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This retrospective and prospective study examines the use of a 0.2% hyaluronic acid cream or gauze-pads application (Connettivina Bio®). 85 patients participated in the study and were affected by wounds of different etiologies, comprising superficial trauma wounds (20), surgical sutures (15), first- and second-degree burns (15), dermabrasions (30) and ulcers of different etiologies (5). We analyzed the healing process in terms of progression and wound quality. Moreover, we performed biopsies (not on all patients) to evaluate the grade of re-epithelialization.

RESULTS

We observed a reduction in the mean surface area of the wounds, precisely 456 mm2 at baseline to 147 mm2 after six weeks with an average 86% [corrected] decrease in the wound surface area. No fibrin tissue was observed, and a small amount of exudate was noted in 10% [corrected] of wounds. Hyaluronic acid cream and gauze-pads-based treatments were well tolerated by patients. All groups showed a decrease of inflammation with a progressive increase of collagen fibers and granulation tissue.

CONCLUSIONS

The treatment with hyaluronic acid 0.2% yielded remarkable outcomes in the re-epithelialization of superficial wounds and provided favorable recovery and tolerance for patients.