Abstract:

Epidermolysis bullosa (EB) is a group of inherited skin disorders caused by genetic defects that lead to increased mechanical fragility of the skin and mucous membranes. It can be accompanied by systemic complications such as malnutrition, chronic inflammation, infection, and squamous cell carcinoma. There is no curative treatment available. Birch triterpenes gel is an innovative botanical gel formulation primarily composed of betulin as the active ingredient. It accelerates wound healing by modulating the inflammatory response at the wound site, promoting keratinocyte migration, and stabilizing dermal-epidermal adhesion. Furthermore, it has demonstrated multiple positive outcomes in reducing procedural pain, decreasing the burden of dressing changes, and alleviating overall wound burden, including wound pain and itching, with an overall favorable safety profile. This article provides a review of the mechanism of action, clinical efficacy, safety, and clinical application of birch triterpenes gel, aiming to offer evidence-based guidance for the clinical management of EB patients in China.

Key words: epidermolysis bullosa, birch triterpenes, wound healing, efficacy, safety