Εffects of vitamin C, silicone gel, and their combination on small- and medium-sized dermatological trauma healing: a prospective study

Background: The process of healing a dermatologic surgical wound is highly complex. Any disruption at any stage may lead to delayed closure, prolonged hospitalization, increased expenses, and adverse effects on patients' daily routines. Aim: The primary objective of this clinical study was to assess the efficacy of postoperative interventions involving oral vitamin C or topical silicone gel, either independently or in combination, in the context of healing from dermatologic surgery trauma. Furthermore, the study sought to investigate the potential impact of inflammatory markers, such as IL-6 and CRP, as well as lifestyle interventions, specifically physical activity and smoking, on the healing process. Methodology: A prospective study was conducted from August 2017 to December 2021 at the Outpatient Dermatological Clinic in Tzaneio General Hospital in Greece to evaluate the effect of vitamin C, silicone gel, or the combination of both on small and medium-sized dermatological trauma healing. A total of 112 patients were included in the study; 29 patients had a natural postoperative healing, while 83 received oral vitamin C or topical silicone gel, or the combination of both. Scar Assessment Score and the Vancouver Scar Scale were used to evaluate the healing. Results: Patients treated with the combination of oral vitamin C and topical silicone gel experienced accelerated wound healing compared to the other treatment groups. Conclusion: Based on the research findings, it is concluded that the use of combined therapy involving oral administration of vitamin C and topical application of silicone gel accelerates the postoperative healing process in cases of dermatologic surgery trauma.