When intermediate depth injuries occur, hair follicle stem cells migrate into the wound and
take on the function, shape, and gene expression pattern of epidermal stem cells. However, it
has been observed that these cells maintain an epigenetic memory that may be key to
improving their regenerative capacity.

Cellular "memory," defined as the hallmark ability of immune cells to respond rapidly to
pathogens, is exhibited by skin cells, which, after exposure to an inflammatory stimulus,
respond more quickly and robustly when they are presented with a second, unrelated
stimulus. A recent report describes how skin cells encode multiple memories of your identity
and previous experiences. Unlike immune cells, which generate memories by permanently
rearranging their DNA, skin units produce memories through epigenetic changes that are
associated with increased regenerative and healing abilities.

The observation that the skin of previously injured or inflamed areas in mice is primed for
faster healing provides a great opportunity.  Depending on the type of ulcer, conventional
treatments include surgical debridement, offloading, and support stockings. New treatments
are urgently needed. The results raise the possibility of pretreating ulcer-prone areas as a way
to create “wound memory”. Other animal research has shown that imiquimod cream, which
induces inflammation and is used in clinical practice to treat precancerous lesions, may be
effective in fulfilling this role and improving healing. However, translational and clinical studies
are needed before these approaches can be considered for the experimental management of
hair loss and chronic wounds in humans.

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