The healing effects of using tilapia skin to heal burns and wounds

Abstract

Introduction: Tilapia skin, a freshwater fish, is being used to treat patients with severe burns. Objectives: The aim of this study was to identify the evidence on the use of tilapia skin in burn healing. Material and Methods: The methodology used was a literature review. The research was carried out by means of an electronic search for scientific articles published on the Scielo (Scientific Electronic Library Online) and Lilacs (Latin American Health Sciences Literature) and Pubmed websites. The health terminologies consulted in the Health Sciences descriptors (DeCS/BIREME) were used; evidence on the use of Tilapia skin in burn healing. Discussion: the good results with Tilapia skin, saline solution, hydrofiber with silver and silver sulfadiazine, however Tilapia skin and its derivatives showed better delineation of the wound edges, reduction of exudate, reduction of crust formation, maintenance of local humidity. This resulted in shorter healing times, fewer dressing changes and less pain related to dressing changes. Histological tests show biocompatibility between human skin and Tilapia skin, and in microbiological tests no bacterial growth was identified, and in biochemical analysis, Tilapia skin showed a higher percentage of type I collagen than observed in human skin, and proved resistant in tensile tests. Conclusion: The studies included in this review showed that the use of Tilapia skin as a biological dressing is effective in the treatment of burns, as it adheres well to the wound bed, has good tensile strength, no antigenicity, and reduces pain. The health care provided to burn patients is carried out directly by the nursing team, who perform all the dressings and assess the healing process. Using Tilapia skin as an alternative dressing for these patients allows nurses to provide better quality care and improve patient comfort.