Hypertrophic Scar Formation and Wound Healing Modulation Fatty Acids as Modulators of Severe Scars

Abstract

Scar tissue usually generates severe discomfort in the short and long term. Common symptoms include anesthetics sequelae, pruritus, joint malfunction, new wounds on the scar surface, and pain. There are several treatments for scars, like compression, topical or intralesional steroid infiltration, 5-fluorouracil, dermabrasion, and surgeries with new scar tissue. For adult patients, it is easier to choose the treatment. However, compression is commonly applied in children to prevent treatments that have adverse effects. This study reports the outcomes of 15 patients submitted to abdominoplasty, traumatic wounds and post-burn scar treatments, which showed significant changes after the continuous use of an ointment composed of petrolatum, cod liver oil, BHT, Chamomilla recutita (chamomile) oil, Helianthus annuus (sunflower) oil, and Prunus amygdalus dulcis (sweet almond) oil. As components of the stratum corneum, unsaturated fatty acids influence the cutaneous structural and immune status and permeability. They also interfere with the maturation and differentiation of the stratum corneum and inhibit the production of proinflammatory eicosanoids, reactive species (ROS and RNS), and cytokines, thereby influencing the inflammatory response and possibly wound healing. This article aims to share our experience with the regular use of an ointment in adult and pediatric patients for three months. The increase in proinflammatory cytokine production at wound sites, resulting in a noninvasive, therapeutical, and effective cutaneous wound healing and scarring modulation, may provide a physiopathological explanation for the fast improvement of scars.