Photoepilation: A Potential Threat to Wound Healing in a Mouse

The study investigated the impact of photoepilation on wound healing in 20 C57/BL6 mice. After synchronizing the hair cycle through wax epilation, one-half of the mice's backs were photoepilated, and the effects on wound healing were assessed following the application of 30% trichloroacetic acid. Although no differences in wound healing times were observed visually, histological evaluation revealed that photoepilated skin had a thicker epidermis and dermis, with denser cellularity in the healed wound compared to normal hairy skin. Additionally, collagen production in photoepilated skin began in the upper papillary dermis, unlike in normal skin where it started around the lower part of the hair follicle. The study concluded that photoepilation could disrupt normal dermal wound healing and increase the risk of hypertrophic scars or keloids.