How dexpanthenol could help wound healing?

Dexpanthenol is an alcoholic analog of pantothenic acid, a member of the B complex vitamins (vitamin B5). It is enzymatically oxidized to pantothenic acid, which is distributed into the tissues, mainly as coenzyme A.

Dexpanthenol is used topically as an ointment, emulsion, or solution, at concentrations of 2 to 5%, as an adjunct in the treatment of various skin and mucosal lesions.^1,2

Clinical investigations have highlighted the beneficial use of dexpanthenol preparations in the treatment of various pathological conditions. Pantothenic acid appears to be essential to normal epithelial function, subsequent to its role in metabolic processes. It has been used in the treatment of wounds and in skin care for decades, particularly in Europe. The beneficial effects of dexpanthenol have been demonstrated in patients who have undergone skin transplantation or scar treatment, or have been treated for burn injuries or different dermatoses.³

What are the dermatological effects of dexpanthenol?

Topical dexpanthenol acts like a moisturizer, maintaining skin softness and elasticity. This activity may be based on its hygroscopic properties
Dexpanthenol in skincare products may also act as a humectant, but its exact mechanism of action is not yet fully understood.⁴

Proliferation of fibroblasts is an important factor in wound healing. Activation of human fibroblast proliferation with dexpanthenol was observed both in vitro and in vivo:

What are the applications of dexpanthenol?

Dexpanthenol at concentrations of 2 to 5% has shown multiple applications in several studies:

• Stimulates the regeneration of injured human skin⁷;
• Reduces irritation in participants with irritant or allergic contact dermatitis⁸;
• Protects the stratum corneum barrier⁹;
• Reduces dryness, roughness, scaling, pruritus, erythema, erosion/fissure of the skin in 3 to 4 weeks by 80 to 90%¹⁰;
• Improves scar quality after different skin lesions (burns or skin transplantation) with topical long-term administration of formulations containing heparin, allantoin collagen and dexpanthenol¹¹.

What's to be done in practice currently?

The effects of dexpanthenol are considered to be of clinical relevance, both in the treatment and prevention of these dermatological disorders that have been shown to be accessible to treatment. Usually, the topical administration of dexpanthenol preparations is well tolerated, with minimal risk of skin irritancy or sensitization. The short-term results in wound healing, and the long-term efficacy in the treatment or prevention of skin irritancy, suggest the clinical value of this therapeutic approach.²

Patients' recommendations¹²

• Use dexpanthenol as a moisturizer to treat or prevent dry, rough, scaly, itchy skin and minor skin irritations (e.g., diaper rash, skin burns from radiation therapy).
• Apply the product after bathing/showering while the skin is still damp.
• Apply to the affected areas of the skin as needed or as directed on the label or by your doctor. How often you apply the medication will depend on the product and your skin condition.
• Apply to the skin only and avoid sensitive areas such as eyes, mouth/nose, and the vaginal/groin area, unless the label directs otherwise.
• Check the label for directions about any areas or types of skin where you should not apply the product (e.g., on the face, any areas of broken/chapped/cut/irritated/scraped skin, or on a recently shaved area of the skin).
• If you are using this product to help treat diaper rash, clean the diaper area well before use and allow the area to dry before applying the product.
• To treat dry hands, you may need to use the product every time you wash your hands, applying it throughout the day.