Topical Iron Chelator Therapy: Current Status and Future Prospects

Area of Science:

• Dermatology and wound care.
• Biomedical research and therapeutic development.

Background:

• Systemic iron chelation is established for iron overload.
• Topical iron chelation is an emerging strategy for skin conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the current status and future prospects of topical iron chelation therapy.
• To explore its applications in skin damage and wound healing.

Main Methods:

• Narrative review of literature from 1990-2023.
• Searched PubMed, Web of Science, and EMBASE databases.
• Focused on experimental and clinical studies of topical iron chelators.

Main Results:

• Topical iron chelators mitigate UV-induced skin damage, reduce skin tumorigenesis, and decrease oxidative stress.
• Effective in treating radiation-induced fibrosis, improving skin elasticity.
• Shows potential for chronic wound healing, including diabetic and sickle cell ulcers.

Conclusions:

• Topical iron chelation therapy is a promising novel approach for skin protection.
• Demonstrates efficacy in various skin damage and wound healing applications.
• Represents a significant area for future research and clinical translation.