Unwanted Hair Growth Induced by Topical Epidermal Growth Factor During Wound Healing: True or Myth?

The document discussed a case where topical epidermal growth factor (EGF) was used to treat a wound in a 29-year-old woman, resulting in unexpected new hair growth around the wound area. This phenomenon suggested that EGF might play a role in inducing hair growth during the wound healing process. The study highlighted that while EGF is known to aid in reepithelialization, it might also act as a switch in the hair cycle, potentially preventing the transition to the catagen phase. The case, along with previous studies, indicated that EGF could stimulate hair follicle activity, but the exact mechanisms remain unclear. The authors concluded that clinicians should inform patients about the possibility of hair growth when using topical EGF for wound treatment, and further research is needed to understand the relationship between EGF and hair growth.