Prevent scars with ... mathematical models

A simulated mathematical model of wound healing on the skin can help improve treatments and prevent scarring.

"The idea is to build a mathematical model to simulate it first, then apply it to methods , " said lead researcher Scott McCue of the Queensland University of Technology. treatment of specific wounds'.

The skin has 2 important cell layers involved in the treatment of wounds. The epidermis concentrates many keratinocytes, while below, the dermis has many fibrous cells. During wound healing, these cells interact with each other through growth factors and a glue-like binder. When the wound heals, these cells proliferate and fill the damaged skin. The simulation program shows us clearly the process of filling it.

Wound healing is a complex series of skin cells

This is the first simulation program to fully demonstrate the complex interaction process involved in healing skin wounds. The research team has collected many biological data to serve the construction of this model. The data include the ratio of different types of skin cells, growth factors, and the amount of adhesives in the different recovery stages of normal wounds and also signs of signs weirdo.

After many tests, this model can successfully simulate the process of normal wound healing and the process that leads to chronic wounds or scars. This result can be used as a reference during actual treatment, helping the doctor visualize the recovery process in a way that has been adjusted to prevent scarring. According to Dr. Scott, the sooner the treatment is, the less likely it is to have a scar. The model also offers an optimal time range of 2-5 days after the wound appears. The final motto remains 'As soon as possible'.

Since this is one of the few most complex models to date, of course it still has some limitations that are improving. This is just a 2D model based on rectangular wounds of the same size as an actual round wound about 10mm in diameter. The team is still trying to improve it to upgrade it to a 3D model and show many different wound shapes of larger sizes.