Fish skin - a natural cure for burns

Globally, 88% of the population loves to eat fish. While eating fish, no one wonders about the healing properties of fish skin. It is a nutrient-booster.

Fish skin works like a protective layer for the fish and helps in movement, but it can also cure wounds and burns in people.

Fish skin has antibacterial properties. Hence, it can be used as a graft to heal wounds or ulcers. Research is ongoing to test the effectiveness of fish skin grafts as a substitute for traditional dressing and healing techniques.

Fish skin grafts provide quick wound recovery, reduce pain, and are cheaper. Additionally, research backs its benefits in healthcare facilities.

Fish skin grafts are a novel method in the healthcare profession, gaining popularity for severe burns.

Fish skin components and benefits

Before using fish skin, decellularize it. This process eliminates the fish cells. This way, the host's immune system can accept it. The components and benefits of fish skin are given below.

Type 1 and 3 collagen: Type 1 collagen strengthens skin, bones, tissues, and ligaments. Type 3 collagen maintains skin elasticity and the width of the blood vessels.

Omega-3 fatty acids: These polyunsaturated fats restore heart health, reduce cell damage, and lower swelling.

Antibacterial properties: The outer skin of a fish repels pathogens in the environment. The antibacterial peptides (amino acid chains) help fight microorganisms in the surroundings.

Elastin: Elastin in fish skin gives flexibility to the skin.

Fibronectin: It heals wounds and restores cell growth and repair.

Porosity: The porosity of fish skin protects wounds from bacteria. It helps in cell and tissue regeneration to recover from chronic wounds.

Fish skin contains 72% collagen and vitamin E. Both restore skin flexibility, skin regeneration, and reduce wrinkles.

Fish bones and skin contain collagen and gelatin, and fish tissues contain proteins. Thus, it is a biodegradable component and useful for industrial and healthcare applications.

Did you know this fact?

Fish skin can be reused in leather production. This byproduct of the fishing industry is a resourceful and environmentally friendly alternative.

History of fish skin

The ancient Arctic societies living on the banks of rivers or coastal areas used fish skin in:

• Parkas or insulated coats with hoods

• Boots for walking on snow

• Mittens or hand gloves without spaces for fingers

• Hats as a shield from severe weather

How does fish skin replace burns?

Healthcare professionals currently use fish skin to replace burnt skin of people using these steps:

• Preparing - Doctors clean the dead skin cells, wounds, and burns.

• Cleaning - They sterilize the fish skin with gamma rays.

• Applying - They apply the fish skin graft to the burnt skin and secure it with a bandage. Depending on the severity of burns, the process is repeated.

• Blending - The layers of fish skin blend with the individual’s skin, and burnt skin heals naturally.

Factors affecting the emerging fish skin technology

Several factors affect an emerging technology. Similarly, fish skin grafting technology has individual demands to overcome.

Challenges

• An individual can be allergic to fish skin or its residues. Hence, a test must be done before grafting.

• Fish skin, like Tilapia and Atlantic cod, is readily available for biochemical applications and wound healing.

Advantages

• Peeling can be done by pouring hot water on the fish fillet. Tanning converts it into leather, which uses chemicals and machines.

• Many people fail to identify the benefits of fish skin in the healing process and skincare products.

Scientific evidence for fish skin technology

Scientists are investigating the applications of Atlantic Tilapia and Nile Cod in healthcare facilities.  They eliminate the fish cells, retaining the collagen and nutritional elements in the fish skin for further use.

Severe wounds or burns become challenging for health professionals to heal. The FDA approves the grafts of Kerecis fish, from cod and tilapia, for treating acute wounds and ulcers.

Several doctors affirm fish skin grafts use for treating intense burns, reducing pain, and skin injuries associated with an amputation.

Clinical studies on fish skin implants

A clinical study on 255 patients with diabetic foot ulcers and wounds penetrating the bones was done in 2023. The patients were from France, Germany, Sweden, and Italy.

The researchers from the University of Texas studied the effects for 16 weeks. 25% to 45% of patients showed positive results. The patients recovered quickly in 2 weeks.

Thus, fish skin can heal deep or bone penetrating wounds in weeks, reducing the pain and regenerating the wounded skin.

Future of fish skin grafts

Fish skin has various applications in several industries, including:

• Healthcare: Fish skin dissolves stitches and replaces burnt skin.

• Skincare: Collagen in fish skin is used in anti-aging creams and serums. Gelatin is used in hair-care products.

• Food: Marshmallows and gummy candies use fish gelatin as a component.

• Textile: Leather can be produced by tanning fish skin.

• Pharmaceuticals: Fish skin is frequently used in capsule covers.

Fish skin is unique

Fish have existed on Earth for over 450 million years. They have adapted themselves to the changing ages and climates. Fish skin has collagen, which creates a network of tissues on a wound and renews the skin with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory abilities. Would you use fish skin for healing?