The Negative Impact of Vaping and Electric Cigarettes for Healing of Chronic Wounds: A Literature Review

Abstract

Non-smokers, particularly adolescents, face significant public health risks from e-cigarette use due to immediate health hazards, the potential for initiating tobacco use, and insufficient data on critical health outcomes, including wound healing. This study investigates vaping's impact on chronic wound healing, emphasizing e-cigarette chemical components. E-cigarettes contain common constituents: 1) Base liquids: Propylene glycol (PG) and vegetable glycerin (VG), 2) Nicotine, 3) Flavoring chemicals and additives, 4) Trace contaminants and toxins. Chronic wounds exhibit persistent inflammation, impaired proliferation, delayed remodeling, and environmental factors (e.g., ischemia, infection, trauma). E-cigarette components impair wound healing: VG induces osmotic effects and cellular toxicity, nicotine causes vasoconstriction, reduced oxygenation, and impaired angiogenesis. Flavoring chemicals contribute to cytotoxicity and modulate inflammatory responses, while contaminants like heavy metals induce oxidative stress and inflammation. Despite e-cigarettes' lower harm compared to traditional cigarettes, their effects on chronic wound healing remain poorly understood. Further research is essential to elucidate smoking's precise impact on chronic wound healing.