INTRODUCTION
Collagen, an essential component of the extracellular matrix (ECM), is a triple helical structure composed of three polypeptide chains.1–3 During normal wound healing, collagen acts as a scaffold for cellular ingrowth and organized deposition of new collagen.2,4 Proteases degrade native collagen, releasing polypeptide fragments that act as chemotactic molecules to recruit inflammatory mediators, promote keratinocyte migration, and stimulate the proliferation of fibroblasts and subsequent collagen deposition.2,4,5 Collagen-based dressings and fractionated collagen powders have been developed for wound therapy as they are thought to replace degraded collagen by bypassing enzymatic breakdown.2,4,6 Furthermore, powdered collagen supports ECM production and acts as a signaling molecule, recruiting inflammatory cells, fibroblasts, and keratinocytes.7,8 Collagen has low antigenicity and can be left in wounds without causing irritation or enhancing bacterial growth.9,10 Additionally, collagen promotes thrombosis and hemostasis and has hydrophilic properties useful for absorbing fluid in exuding wounds.11,12 These factors make collagen an ideal wound therapy agent.
Punch biopsies are frequently performed for diagnostic purposes and are often closed primarily with non-absorbable sutures, but may also be left to heal by secondary intention. In a recent survey distributed by the present authors to providers on the Orlando Dermatology Aesthetic and Clinical Conference emailing list, 877 (29.6% response rate) providers completed a survey in which only 5.13% of respondents indicated that they leave a 4mm punch biopsy wound open to heal by secondary intention (data not published). Most respondents were MD/DOs (98.6%), with many being in practice for more than 10 years (38.4%, data not published). While clearly commonly used, it is important
Punch biopsies are frequently performed for diagnostic purposes and are often closed primarily with non-absorbable sutures, but may also be left to heal by secondary intention. In a recent survey distributed by the present authors to providers on the Orlando Dermatology Aesthetic and Clinical Conference emailing list, 877 (29.6% response rate) providers completed a survey in which only 5.13% of respondents indicated that they leave a 4mm punch biopsy wound open to heal by secondary intention (data not published). Most respondents were MD/DOs (98.6%), with many being in practice for more than 10 years (38.4%, data not published). While clearly commonly used, it is important
