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Updated: Jun 22, 2025

Author Spotlight: A Multi-Depth Porcine Model for Comprehensive Study of Burn Injuries and Healing Processes
Published on: February 23, 2024
Effects of topical insulin on second-degree burn wound healing: brief report
Vagner Franco da Silveira1, Juliany Lino Gomes Silva2, Maria Helena Melo Lima2
1Department of Internal Medicine University of Campinas, Tessália Vieira de Camargo, 126 - Cidade Universitária, - Campinas, SP, 13083-887, Brazil.
Background:
Burns are classified according to their mechanism of injury, depth, affected body area, affected region or part of the body, and extent of the lesions. Topical insulin modulates the healing process. However, studies evaluating the effects of topical insulin treatment on burns in human patients are lacking.
Purpose:
The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of topical insulin on healing time of second-degree burns.
Methods:
In this nonrandomized clinical trial, patients with second-degree burns were allocated to a control group (CG) or an intervention group (IG) in which wounds were treated with 1% silver sulfadiazine and topical insulin, respectively.
Results:
Healing time was significantly shorter in the IG relative to the CG (9.1 ± 1.9 days and 12.7 ± 3.3 days, respectively; P < .05). The estimated burn area was similar in both groups (CG 1.44 ± 1.0%; IG 1.42 ± 0.53%).
Conclusion:
In this study, topical insulin reduced healing time in second-degree burns. Further investigation is warranted to support wider use in clinical practice.
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