Optimizing Skin Grafting Using Hair-derived Skin Grafts: The Healing Potential of Hair Follicle Pluripotent Stem Cells.

BACKGROUND

A man in his 60s with recurrent venous leg ulcers (VLUs) presented with an 18-month history of a VLU on his medial left leg measuring 59.3 cm(2). He had been treated with multi- component compression bandages without significant decrease in ulcer size. Given the ulcer's size, refractory nature, and history of recurrence, the authors sought to optimize the patient's healing.

METHODS

Approximately 23% of the total wound was treated using punch grafts (PGs) harvested from different locations on the body based on hair density using the "stick and place" method.

RESULTS

One month later, a 56% reduction in ulcer size was observed, especially in the area that received hair-bearing skin.

CONCLUSION

Punch grafts from hair-bearing skin are a viable source of follicular stem cells and may be superior to PG from nonhair-bearing skin for the treatment of chronic wounds.