Revolutionizing Burn Care: The Therapeutic Potential of Nile Tilapia Skin

Tilapia fish skin is emerging as a promising and cost-effective alternative for burn treatment, offering superior healing properties compared to traditional wound dressings such as Silver Sulfadiazine and Paraffin Gauze. Rich in collagen, omega-3 fatty acids, and bioactive compounds, Tilapia skin accelerates epithelialization, with studies by Lima Júnior et al. showing healing in 9.77–18.10 days compared to 11.20–21.30 days for conventional treatments (reducing healing time by up to 25%). It also reduces pain, potentially minimizes scarring, and lowers infection rates. Unlike conventional dressings that require frequent changes, Tilapia skin remains in place for a longer period, enhancing patient comfort and reducing pain and infection risks. Comparative analysis reveals that while Silver Sulfadiazine has antibacterial properties and Paraffin Gauze is easy to use, both lead to higher pain levels, slower healing, and increased scarring due to frequent dressing changes. Tilapia skin’s accessibility and affordability make it particularly beneficial for resource-limited settings. Additional advantages include its natural analgesic effect, strong microbial resistance, and dressing-free application, reducing the need for painkillers and minimizing medical interventions. However, challenges such as the need for specialized sterilization requirements, odor sensitivity, and adherence difficulties in some anatomical regions must be addressed. As research advances, Tilapia skin holds considerable potential in burn management, offering a biocompatible, efficient, and widely accessible solution for improved wound care worldwide.