The effect of topical vitamin C solution on granulation tissue formation in burn wounds

ackground and Aim: Different treatments have been tried for healing burn wounds each of which has had its own effects and complications. Therefore, researchers have attempted to develop methods for more rapid wound healing with fewer complications and greater patient satisfaction. This study investigated the effect of topical application of vitamin C solution on granulation tissue formation resulting from burn wounds. Methods: Thirty patients hospitalized in the Burns Ward were divided into the control and intervention groups. The intervention group received topical application of vitamin C solution together with silver sulfadiazine ointment whereas only silver sulfadiazine ointment was used for the control group. Wound healing was observed and given scores on days 1, 3, 7 and 14 using the Bates-Jensen Wound Assessment Tool. The collected data was analyzed using SPSS 16. Results: The results of repeated measures ANOVA showed that there were statistically significant between the two groups with respect to the mean scores for granulation tissue formation (P=0.004). Moreover, topical application of vitamin C significantly improved granulation tissue formation. As for intragroup effects also, the duration of the treatment had statistically significant effects on the mean score given for granulation tissue formation; i.e., there were significant differences between the mean scores given for days 1, 3, 7 and 17 (P=0.000; F=264.430). Conclusion: This study showed that vitamin C has accelerating effect on wound healing.