Wound Healing, Dermal Regeneration, and Advances in Scar Management

This chapter reviews the cellular and molecular basis of cutaneous wound healing — encompassing hemostasis, inflammation, proliferation, and remodeling phases — and examines how dysregulation of these processes gives rise to chronic wounds, keloids, and hypertrophic scars. It critically appraises the evidence for advanced wound care modalities, including growth factor therapy, platelet-rich plasma, bioengineered skin substitutes, and negative pressure wound therapy, as well as emerging regenerative strategies such as exosome-based treatments and gene-activated matrices. The chapter also addresses the rising burden of chronic wounds in aging populations and individuals with metabolic comorbidities, and outlines current gaps in translational research.