Basic principles of wound healing in the skin

• The basic principles of wound healing in the skin involve a series of biological events aimed at repairing damaged tissue and restoring skin integrity.

These can be divided into four overlapping phases:

1. Hemostasis:

   • Immediate Response: Occurs immediately after injury to stop bleeding.
   • Clot Formation: Blood vessels constrict, platelets aggregate to form a platelet plug, and fibrin stabilizes the clot to prevent further blood loss.

2. Inflammation:

   • Early Phase: Begins shortly after injury and lasts for several days.
   • Immune Response: Blood vessels dilate, increasing blood flow and attracting neutrophils and macrophages to the wound site. These cells remove debris, release growth factors, and help prevent infection.

3. Proliferation:

   • Tissue Formation: Lasts for several days to weeks.
   • Key Events:
     • Angiogenesis: New blood vessels form to supply nutrients and oxygen.
     • Fibroblast Proliferation: Fibroblasts produce collagen and elastin, strengthening new tissue.
     • Epithelialization: Epithelial cells migrate and cover the wound, restoring the skin barrier.
     • Contraction: Myofibroblasts pull wound edges together, reducing wound size.

4. Remodeling:

   • Long-term Phase: Can last for months to years.
   • Tissue Maturation: Collagen fibers realign, excess cells and vessels are removed, and the scar tissue strengthens, though it never fully regains original skin strength and elasticity.
   • These Basic principles of wound healing in the skin phases ensure effective wound repair, maintaining skin function and protection.

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