Epidermolysis bullosa (EB) is a rare
genetic disorder characterized by the formation of
blisters and
wounds in skin and mucous membranes; it is classified into four types and has various methods of treatment. Management of previous
wounds and prevention of formation of new lesions are the most important strategies in the course of
therapy to improve patient's quality of life; lack of
wound management can lead to further complications such as
infection. The current study investigated the
therapeutic effects of allogeneic platelet gel (prepared from umbilical cord blood) in a group of children diagnosed with
dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (DEB) eligible for surgical correction of pseudosyndactyly in the hand. The post-surgical clinical outcome in this group was compared with the clinical outcomes of DEB patients receiving the standard treatment (
paraffin gauze
wound dressing and topical
antibiotics) after corrective surgery. The current study results showed an increase in the rate of recovery and promotion of tissue granulation, complete wound healing, and a decrease in
pain level and treatment period. The application of cord blood platelet gel topical dressing was not a conventional method of treatment in patients with DEB
wounds and
blisters. However, the current study results demonstrated that this gel dressing could effectively accelerate epithelialization and healing of the
wounds and decrease patients'
pain and post-surgical recovery period, which altogether leads to improvements in patients' overall quality of life.