Dermal neoformation during partial-thickness skin wound healing.

Abstract

We have previously described the healing process of full-thickness skin wounds as documented by alkali water cell-maceration scanning electron microscopy. In this study, we examined partial-thickness skin wounds. The present study provided a 3-dimensional visualization of the microarchitecture of the dermal neoformation process in partial-thickness wounds and proved that the development of the papillary dermis proceeded from the stump of the fibrous root sheath and is coupled with the epidermis advancing from the transected hair follicle. The present findings confirm our previously described unit theory as the epithelialization proceeds by forming an "epithelization unit."