Background and Objective:

Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF) is known for decades as a building and maintenance element for the skin and several mucous membranes. Recombinant human Epidermal Growth Factor (rhEGF) is available thanks to genetic engineering techniques, and suitable for clinical use in the prevention or treatment of several skin disorders.

Our aim is to carry out a literature review on the scientific evidence in the use of rhEGF available for the treatment of skin lesions.

Methods:

We conduct a bibliographical review using the main scientific evidence search engines, finally including a total of 25 bibliographic references in relation to the use of rhEGF in daily clinical practice.

Results:

RhEGF promotes wound healing (traumatic or surgical) and burns, reducing the incidence of hypertrophic and keloid scars. Silicone gels and sheets are the first choice in the care of wounds, acute or chronic.

RhEGF is available in concentrations and purity useful for therapeutic use, in stable galenics and by individualized formulation (compounding); its use is comfortable, effective and safe, allowing the individualization of treatments adding active principles or modifying the vehicles of the formula.

Conclusions:

Topical compounds with commercially available rhEGF or by individualized formulation can be considered for the management of wounds (traumatic or surgical), burns, hypertrophic scars and keloids. RhEGF may be prescribed with excipients in gel, serum, cream or other topical excipients; silicone gels may be the most suitable excipient to maximize the effectiveness of the factor, synergizing the effectiveness of the silicone gel and the rhEGF.

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