The Effects of Topical Vitamin C Solution on Burn Wounds Granulation: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Vitamin C or ascorbic acid is the most efficient water-soluble antioxidant. Studies show intravenous and oral vitamin C assist with burn healing. However, the effects of topical applications of vitamin C remain unstudied. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of topical vitamin C solution on the granulation tissue reduction of second-degree burn wounds. Methods: This clinical trial was conducted on 30 patients with second-degree burns affecting two or more regions or extended limb areas who had been admitted to the Vasee Hospital burn unit in Sabzevar, Iran during Aug-Dec 2016. In light of the multiple factors influencing burn wound healing, each subject served as his or her own control. Additionally, the depth of burn wounds in each area between limbs of the same patient was similar. Patients routinely received sulfadiazine ointment on two contiguous or separate body parts. Vitamin C solution was applied to one randomly chosen part of the body or one randomly chosen limb. Burn wounds were examined on days one (a baseline measure) and three, seven, and 14 days after the initial assessment, using the Bates-Jensen Wound Assessment Tool. Written informed consent was obtained from the patients prior to the study. Data analysis was performed in SPSS version 20 using repeated measures ANOVA. Results: In the experimental region, the mean granulation score was 5.00 ± 0.00 at baseline and reached 1.83 ± 0.87 on day 14. In the control group, mean granulation score was 5.00 ± 0.00 at baseline and increased to 2.67 ± 0.88 on day 14. On day 14, a significant difference was observed between the mean granulation scores for the experimental and control regions (P = 0.004). Conclusions: Topical administration of a vitamin C solution could be effective in promoting the healing of second-degree burn wounds.

Vitamin C–squalene bioconjugate promotes epidermal thickening and collagen production in human skin

“…For comparison purposes, palmitoyl ascorbate was prepared from palmitic acid and ascorbic acid according to litterature 54 . 4,8,13,17,8,12,16,. A solution of trisnorsqualenic acid (1.80, 4.5 mmol) in anhydrous toluene (10 mL) was degassed by bubbling a stream of nitrogen through the solution for 5 min.…”

“…The reaction mixture was stirred for 3 h at the same temperature and concentrated under reduced pressure to give the title compound as a yellow oil which is used directly in the next step. [4,8,13,17,8,12,16, ascorbic acid, method A. A stream of dry HCl was passed through 5 mL of N-methylpiperidone in a washing bottle until the entire mass solidified.…”

“…The residual NMP was removed under reduced pressure using dry ice rotavapor (60 °C, 0.05 mm Hg,) to leave an oil which was purified by chromatography over silica gel eluting with ethyl acetate and then AcOEt/ MeOH (98:2) to give the title compound as a pale yellow thick oil (190 mg, 34%). [4,8,13,17,8,12,16, Supplementary Figs. S5, S6 and S7, respectively.…”

“…Topical administration of Vit C was shown to help with burn wound healing in two ways. It promotes the formation of collagen in skin tissues and removes free radicals as an antioxidant which leads to further improvements at the site of the burn wound 8 .…”

Comparison of the effectiveness of Aloe Vera Gel with 2% Nitrofurazone ointment on the healing of superficial second-degree burns. Randomised clinical trial

“…The Bates-Jensen Wound Assessment Tool (BWAT) was used to evaluate wound healing (35). It is a validated wound assessment tool which is used in many healthcare settings for BWAT parameter between two areas before, one, two and three weeks after intervention.…”