The Benefits of Hyaluronic Acid in Wound Healing and Scar Prevention

1. Introduction — The Benefits of Hyaluronic Acid in Wound Healing and Scar Prevention

   1.1 Definition of Hyaluronic Acid (HA)

   Hyaluronic Acid is a form of a carbohydrate known as polysaccharides this is distributed throughout the body but can be primarily found in the eyes, joints, and skin. The primary function of Hyaluronic Acid is to keep the skin moist and hydrated. However Hyaluronic Acid also plays a key role in wound healing and prevention of scar after an external injury to the skin.^[1]

   1.2 Overview of Wound Healing and Scar Formation

   When a person suffers an external injury like a cut or a wound the complex process of healing begins. The body first repairs the damage caused due to the injury. The repair is primarily done by collagen. The collagen develops over the wound and prevents excessive loss of blood.^[2]

   When there is excessive collection of collagens the formation of a scar occurs. These scars may look unsightly but are the primary source of healing of the wound.^[2]

   1.3 Importance of Scar Prevention and Effective Wound Healing

   As stated, scars look unsightly especially if the wound is on the exposed areas of the body like the face or neck. It may become a cause of significant embarrassment especially if the scar takes prolonged period of time clear. This is the reason why appropriate measures need to be taken to promote wound healing and prevent excessive formation of scars.^[3]

2. How Hyaluronic Acid Functions in the Body

   2.1 The Role of Hyaluronic Acid in Tissue Regeneration and Wound Healing

   Hyaluronic Acid is known to reduce inflammation and also aid in the healing process after an external injury. Hyaluronic Acid has hyaluronic acid receptors that play a major role in tissue regeneration and healing process.^[4]

   It has been shown that high molecular weight Hyaluronic Acid has anti-inflammatory properties which reduce inflammation caused due to the injury.^[4]

   2.2 How Hyaluronic Acid Interacts with Other Molecules in the Extracellular Matrix

   Hyaluronic Acid is a primary component of the extracellular matrix due to its viscoelastic properties. Hyaluronic Acid also has the capacity to control a variety of cell processes. As more than 50% of Hyaluronic Acid is present in the skin it plays a vital role in wound healing and prevention of scars around injury sites.^[6]

   It also has positive interaction with other components of the extracellular matrix which makes it a very potent agent not only for skin hydration but also aid in rapid recovery of injuries pertaining to the skin. Hyaluronic Acid along with other components of the cellular matrix also promote healthy cell growth again making it a vital component of the cellular matrix.^[6]

3. Hyaluronic Acid as a Wound-Healing Agent

   3.1 How Hyaluronic Acid Supports the Inflammatory Phase of Wound Healing

   Hyaluronic Acid is a known anti-inflammatory and along with the immune system of the body aids in wound healing. Inflammation follows immediately after an external injury. The immune system immediately activates its defense mechanism.^{[5, 6, 7]}

   Hyaluronic Acid works in tandem with the immune system of the body and aids in removing the dead tissue and harmful bacteria from the wound and restores normal blood flow.

   Hyaluronic Acid being a potent anti-inflammatory aid in decreasing the inflammation and speed up the recovery process.^{[5, 6, 7]}

   3.2 How Hyaluronic Acid Promotes Cell Migration and Proliferation

   Hyaluronic Acid promotes cell migration and proliferation during the wound healing phase by promoting cell movement towards the wound, development of new cells at the injury site, and accelerate the healing process. Hyaluronic Acid also aids in new cell growth and division which also is quite vital for the healing process after an injury.^{[5, 6, 7, 8]}

   3.3 How Hyaluronic Acid Stimulates Collagen Synthesis and Deposition

   Hyaluronic Acid is essential for collagen synthesis and deposition during wound healing. It works by interacting with the cell surface receptors and activating the signaling pathways thereby supporting the collagen production around wound. It is the collagen which forms over the wound and provides strength to the healthy tissues.^[9]

   Hyaluronic Acid also controls the cell activity that produces collagen. It aids in the production of myofibroblasts which are cells that produce collagen fibers. This whole process in turn aids in wound healing. Additionally Hyaluronic Acid binds with collagen fibers thereby aiding in tissue regeneration by ensuring that the collagen fibers are aligned and integrated in a precise manner.^[9]

   3.4 Clinical Applications of Hyaluronic Acid in Wound Healing

   Hyaluronic Acid is available in the form of gels, films, and dressings which can be applied to promote wound healing. This is true for both chronic as well as acute wounds. Hyaluronic Acid is also used for wounds caused by diabetic ulcers also on incisional wounds made during a surgery.^[11]

4. Hyaluronic Acid as a Scar Prevention Agent

   4.1 The Role of Hyaluronic Acid in Preventing Excessive Scar Formation

   Scar Formation is an essential part of wound healing. It occurs dur to the production of collagen by a set of specialized cells called the fibroblasts. If there is excess production collagen then the scars are deeper and take longer to fade away causing it to become a cosmetic issue for people.^{[5, 6, 7]}

   However, with the use of Hyaluronic Acid the production of collagen is controlled thereby preventing excess scar formation and also aiding in rapid wound healing.^{[5, 6, 7]}

   4.2 How Hyaluronic Acid Reduces Inflammation and Inhibits Fibroblast Activation

   Hyaluronic Acid is a known anti-inflammatory. It inhibits activation of fibroblasts by controlling the release of cytokines and growth factors responsible for wound healing.^{[5, 6, 7]}

   4.3 How Hyaluronic Acid Promotes Wound Closure Without Scarring

   The antiinflammatory properties of Hyaluronic Acid immediately act on the inflammation caused after an injury and starts to aid in recovery process. Additionally, the ability of Hyaluronic Acid to suppress the production of excessive fibroblasts prevent formation of thick and raised scars.^{[5, 6, 7]}

   4.4 Clinical Applications of Hyaluronic Acid in Scar Prevention

   Excessive Scarring can be prevented by using Hyaluronic Acid in the form of injections or topical applications. It is effective for various types of wounds including chronic wounds as those seen in diabetic ulcers, acne scars, and every wound caused by surgical incisions after a surgery.^[11]

5. Scientific Evidence Supporting Use of Hyaluronic Acid in Wound Healing and Scar Prevention

   5.1 Studies on Hyaluronic Acid in Wound Healing in Animal Models and Human Subjects

   There are various studies conducted on the effects of Hyaluronic Acid on wound healing. These studies have shown that Hyaluronic Acid aided in the production of collagen which aided in wound healing and also supported tissue regeneration in both animal and human models.^[10]

   5.2 Studies on Hyaluronic Acid in Scar Prevention in Animal Models and Human Subjects

   Studies looking at the wound healing effect of Hyaluronic Acid also showed that Hyaluronic Acid was able to control the production of collagen required for wound healing thereby preventing formation of tick and raised scars in both humans and animals.^[10]

6. Dosage and Administration of Hyaluronic Acid for Wound Healing and Scar Prevention

   6.1 Forms of Hyaluronic Acid Used in Wound Healing and Scar Prevention

   As mentioned above Hyaluronic Acid is available in the form of a gel, powder, as well as wound dressings with modes of application depending on the type of the wound.^[11]

   6.2 Recommended Dosages and Application Methods

   How much Hyaluronic Acid is required for best treatment effect depends on the type and severity of the wound along with which formulation of Hyaluronic Acid is being used. It is important to note here that a person should not indulge in self-medication using Hyaluronic Acid and it is important to consult with a physician who is in the best position to gauge as to how much Hyaluronic Acid is required.^[11]

   6.3 Potential Side Effects and Interactions

   Hyaluronic Acid is usually considered safe to be used on wounds. However, some people may experience some discomfort, swelling, or redness around the injection site. In some cases, Hyaluronic Acid may interact with certain medications and hence it is best to consult with the physician pertaining to the use of Hyaluronic Acid the recommended dosage, and whether there is potential for any interactions.^[11]

7. Conclusion

   Injuries, cuts, and wounds are part and parcel of life. Whether it is children or adults skin injuries are something that can happen anywhere and at any time. A slip and fall off a pavement, falling off a bicycle, or a road traffic accident all can cause significant skin injuries.^{[1, 2]}

   Our body is fully capable of handling such injuries. Aside from the immune system which is the defense mechanism of the body there is something called as Hyaluronic Acid which is a component of the cellular matrix which also plays a vital role in aiding in recovery process after an injury.^{[1, 2]}

   The primary function of Hyaluronic Acid is to keep the skin surface hydrated and moist. The process of wound healing begins by decreasing the inflammation around the site of injuries. This is followed by wound recovery which is facilitated by the immune system along with the help of Hyaluronic Acid.^{[1, 2, 3, 4]}

   This acid also helps in tissue regeneration which is also important when recovery from a skin injury. Additionally, Hyaluronic Acid also controls the production of collagen to prevent formation of deep scars which tend to look unsightly.^{[1, 2, 3, 4]}

   Hyaluronic Acid does this by inhibiting fibroblasts and promote wound closure without scarring. However, post an injury it is advised to visit a physician instead of self-medicating using Hyaluronic Acid as different types of injuries and wound require different dosing and formulations which can be best understood by a physician.^[11]

   In some cases, people may complain of injection site reactions like swelling, pain, or redness after Hyaluronic Acid treatment but other than this Hyaluronic Acid is considered to pretty safe for use in wound healing and recovery.^[11]

References:

Also Read:

• What is Hyaluronic Acid & What are its Benefits, Side Effects?
• The Use of Hyaluronic Acid in Skincare for Anti-Aging and Hydration
• Hyaluronic Acid as a Potential Treatment for Dry Eye Syndrome