Topical Zinc May Augment Post-Operative Wound Healing, Including Following Mohs Micrographic Surgery: A Review of the Literature
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Keywords
surgical dermatology, Mohs micrographic surgery, wound healing, surgery, zinc, post-operative
Abstract
Background: Zinc, an essential mineral, has been extensively studied in the field of dermatology for the treatment of a plethora of skin conditions. However, minimal literature exists regarding its use for the enhanced healing of wounds after surgery, including following Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS).
Objective: Evaluate the available literature regarding the utilization of zinc for enhanced healing of post-surgical wounds in humans.
Methods: A systematic review of studies evaluating the use of zinc for post-surgical management was conducted via an electronic literature search of the PubMed database. Clinical trials were searched using ClinicalTrails.gov.
Results: Topical zinc formulations may decrease healing time and post-operative infection rates, including following MMS of the lower extremity.
Limitations: Currently, there are a limited number of studies available on this topic, with lack of a standard comparable outcome measure.
Conclusion: Topical zinc oxide may be a beneficial treatment option for post-surgical wound healing, including after MMS. Further studies are needed to better define the efficacy of zinc for post-operative wound healing and the optimal treatment regimen.
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Nicole Levin, Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, Florida
Medical StudentTaylor Gray, HCA Healthcare/USF Morsani College of Medicine GME Programs, Largo Medical Center, Largo, Florida
DOMaheera Farsi, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida
DO
Moh's fellow