"Platelet-rich plasma and its utility in medical dermatology - A systematic review".

The field of dermatology has seen numerous therapeutic innovations in the past decade with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) recently garnering significant interest particularly in alopecia, acne scarring and skin rejuvenation. In other conditions of dermatology, such as chronic wounds and vitiligo, PRP has been investigated but has received less attention. The objective of this literature review was to focus on conditions of medical dermatology and to consolidate the available evidence of platelet-rich plasma for the practicing dermatologist. This review evaluates the literature up to October 31, 2018, and a search was conducted in the PubMed database for "platelet-rich plasma" or "platelet releasate" or "platelet gel" or "platelet rich fibrin" or "PRP" and "dermatology" or "skin" or "cutaneous" or "wound" or "ulcer." Fourteen articles met the inclusion criteria for this review. In studies representing 1b-4 grades of evidence according to the Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine, Oxford, platelet-rich plasma significantly improved wound healing in chronic diabetic ulcers, venous ulcers, pressure ulcers, leprosy ulcers, acute traumatic wounds and ulcers of multifactorial etiologies. Two studies also documented benefits of adjunctive PRP in stable vitiligo. Platelet-rich plasma warrants further investigation as it represents a potential therapeutic adjunct or alternative with a favorable side effect profile.