Re-Epithelization: Impact of Topical Agents in Wound Care

Abstract

Background: Wound re-epithelization is a critical determinant of healing quality, yet the comparative efficacy of available topical agents in promoting epidermal restoration remains incompletely characterised in controlled experimental models. Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) has emerged as a non-thermal, photobiomodulatory modality with proposed pro-regenerative mechanisms, but its superiority over conventional agents such as Eusol and normal saline has not been systematically quantified using concurrent macroscopic and histomorphometric outcomes in a standardised rabbit excisional wound model. Objective: To compare the effects of topical LLLT, Eusol, and normal saline on wound surface area reduction and epidermal thickness restoration at Days 3, 7, and 14 in male albino rabbits. Methods: Twelve adult male albino rabbits (250–400 g) were randomly assigned to three equal groups: Group A (normal saline, once daily), Group B (LLLT, 10 J/30 seconds, once daily), and Group C (Eusol, once daily), each for 14 days. Full-thickness excisional wounds of 2.5 × 2.5 cm² were created on the dorsal surface under ketamine-xylazine anaesthesia. Wound surface area was measured on Days 3, 7, and 14, and epidermal thickness was assessed by ocular micrometry on H&E-stained sections at 400× magnification on Day 14. Data were analysed using one-way ANOVA with post-hoc Tukey's HSD test (p ≤ 0.05). Results: LLLT achieved significantly greater wound contraction at all time points (Day 14: 0.24 ± 0.19 cm²) versus saline (1.45 ± 0.43 cm²) and Eusol (1.12 ± 0.36 cm²), with p = 0.001 and p = 0.002 respectively (η² = 0.87). Epidermal thickness on Day 14 was greatest in the LLLT group (1.98 ± 0.52 µm) compared with Eusol (1.54 ± 0.44 µm; p = 0.002) and saline (0.24 ± 0.18 µm; p = 0.001; η² = 0.83). Conclusion: LLLT produced significantly superior wound re-epithelization and epidermal restoration compared with conventional topical agents, supporting its integration into evidence-based wound management protocols.