Human skin takes nearly three times longer to heal than that of other primates. An international team measured these differences in a recent study.
Researchers compared the healing speed of skin wounds in humans and several primates. Human volunteers were patients undergoing skin tumor removal, while chimpanzees and monkeys were observed in sanctuaries and research institutes.
The results show that all non-human primates heal at a similar rate, about 0.62 millimeters per day (0.024 inches). In contrast, humans heal at an average rate of only 0.25 millimeters per day (0.01 inches). This difference could be explained by the evolution of human skin.
The loss of fur in humans led to the development of sweat glands, partially replacing hair follicles. These glands contain stem cells that are less effective for skin regeneration, which could slow down healing.
The team suggests this evolution was a necessary compromise to allow better thermal regulation. Human ability to treat wounds may have compensated for this evolutionary disadvantage.
Comparison of wound healing distances among primates.
Credit: Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences
This study opens new perspectives for understanding healing mechanisms in primates. It could also have implications for human medicine, particularly in treating chronic wounds.
Researchers now plan to explore in more detail the cellular mechanisms responsible for these differences. A better understanding of these processes could lead to significant therapeutic advances.