Fish skin grafts are a new option for treating wounds and burns. Research suggests they reduce pain, aid healing, and have a low risk of side effects.
New treatment options for burns and skin wounds are available. One promising option is fish skin grafts, also called acellular fish skin grafts.
Specialty medical professionals make fish skin grafts using the nutrient-rich skin of specific types of fish. Using fish skin grafts links to benefits such as faster healing and reduced pain. Fish skin is readily available, and the grafts are inexpensive to produce.
What is a fish skin graft?
Doctors traditionally make skin grafts by taking skin from another body part. They discovered that using skin from certain types of fish is another treatment option. Experts process fish skin grafts in specialty labs so doctors can use them for medical treatments.
Fish skin grafts initially look like the type of fish skin used. But when doctors place the grafts over a wound, the surrounding human cells can grow into the fish skin graft. This process grows new skin cells and transforms some fish skin cells into human skin cells . After it heals, the area can take on the appearance of healthy human skin.
Fish skin grafts contain omega-3 fatty acids , which can aid healing . Fish skin and human skin share properties, such as:
- fats
- proteins
- elastin (provides the stretchiness of skin)
- glycans (important in protecting, maintaining, and repairing skin)
These factors help fish skin grafts treat wounds.
Allergy alert!
Do not receive fish skin graft treatment if you have a known fish allergy or sensitivity.
When is a fish skin graft used?
Fish skin grafts are a new medical technology that experts are still testing. Doctors have used them to treat several types of wounds, including burns. They link with numerous benefits for people who’ve experienced burns, including reduced pain and faster healing.
Doctors have also used fish skin grafts to treat diabetes wounds and skin injuries, including those that occur after an amputation .
How is the area prepared for a fish skin graft?
The procedure for a fish skin graft is similar to traditional skin grafting. A doctor prepares the area by removing dead tissue from the burn or wound area. They typically do this with a surgical knife and then clean the area.
Once they prepare the area, the doctor places the fish skin graft on the wound. Fish skin grafts come prepackaged from specialty medical professionals. The doctor removes the graft from the packing and places it on the wound. They use wound dressing to secure the fish skin graft.
As the graft heals under the dressing, skin grows into it, helping incorporate the graft into your skin.
What’s the outlook following a fish skin graft?
Fish skin grafts are still new, but they may benefit recipients. Many people who’ve experienced burns may feel less pain after applying a fish skin graft. Fish skin grafts link with fast healing . Complications such as infections are rare.
What is fish skin graft failure?
Fish skin grafts can be largely successful in their first several years of use. However, they can fail because the fish skin graft may not attach to your surrounding skin. Several reasons for this include:
- fluid accumulation under the dressing or graft
- seroma (fluid accumulation under your skin)
- hematoma (blood accumulation under the graft)
- infection
- area swelling, which puts pressure on the graft
- graft breakage due to motion or force
A second graft might be necessary if fish skin graft failure occurs.
Frequently asked questions
Why do doctors put fish skin on wounds?
Fish skin is becoming a more common treatment option for wounds. It’s readily available, and the grafts aren’t expensive to produce. Treatment with fish skin links with benefits such as pain reduction and faster healing. The risk of complications is low.
What kind of fish skin is used for burns?
Atlantic cod and Nile tilapia are the primary types of fish skin used for burns.
When did they start using fish skin for those with burn injuries?
A clinical trial examining the use of fish skin grafts for burns began in 2017 . It included human participants treated with fish skin grafts in an experimental setting. A 2019 case report showed doctors in Brazil using fish skin grafts as burn treatments for the first time.
Takeaway
Fish skin grafts are a promising new option for skin grafting. Fish skin is rich in nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids and links with benefits such as reduced pain and faster healing.
Side effects and complications are rare . However, grafts can sometimes fail, requiring a second procedure.
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