Studies on zinc in wound healing

Area of Science:

• Wound Healing Research
• Dermatology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Topical zinc is commonly used for wound care, but its efficacy is primarily documented in orally supplemented zinc-deficient patients.
• The precise mechanisms and benefits of topical zinc application on wound healing require further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of topically applied zinc on leg ulcer healing.
• To examine zinc's impact on wound healing mechanisms using animal models.
• To study zinc absorption into wounded and intact skin.

Main Methods:

• Double-blind trial on 37 leg ulcer patients with low serum zinc levels.
• Standardized animal models (pigs and rats) for wound healing studies.
• Analysis of re-epithelialization, inflammation, bacterial growth, and wound breaking strength.
• Assessment of zinc absorption in human skin.

Main Results:

• Topical zinc oxide enhanced leg ulcer cleansing and re-epithelialization in patients, with fewer infections and deteriorations.
• Zinc oxide promoted re-epithelialization in partial-thickness wounds in pigs.
• Topical zinc oxide reduced bacterial growth in normal rat wounds but not in diabetic rats.
• Zinc absorption was demonstrated in human skin following topical zinc oxide application.

Conclusions:

• Topical zinc, particularly zinc oxide, can stimulate leg ulcer healing by enhancing re-epithelialization, reducing inflammation, and inhibiting bacterial growth.
• Topical zinc acts both by correcting local zinc deficits and through pharmacological effects.
• Zinc oxide demonstrates sustained local availability, unlike zinc sulfate, suggesting formulation is key.