Artificial barrier repair in wounds by semi-occlusive foils reduced wound contraction and enhanced cell migration and reepithelization in mouse skin.

The repair of the permeability barrier to prevent the entry of harmful substances into the body is a goal in wound healing. Semi-occlusive foils, which provide an artificial barrier, are commonly used for the treatment of wounds. We examined the effects of foils on wound contraction, cell migration, and reepithelization. Full-thickness skin wounds in mice were covered with occlusive latex foils or semi-occlusive water vapor-permeable hydrocolloid foils for either the entire, the first half, or the second half of the wound-healing period. We found that application of foils for the entire healing period initially reduced wound healing during the first week of treatment, whereas healing was enhanced during the second week. Foils were found to reduce wound contraction, but enhanced reepithelization during the second week of wound healing because of increased proliferation and migration of keratinocytes. These effects were also noted when the hydrocolloid foils were applied for the second part of the healing period, only. The fully occlusive latex foil led to irritation of the skin, whereas less irritation occurred under semi-occlusive conditions. In summary, we found that artificial barrier repair with semi-occlusive foils in wounds reduced wound contraction and enhanced cell migration and reepithelization without irritation.