Red Hair Gene Could Explain Why Some Wounds Never Heal

Researchers have identified a potential new treatment for chronic wounds, which affect millions of people worldwide and are often caused by diabetes, poor circulation, or pressure. The study found that a molecule in the skin called MC1R, known for influencing red hair and fair skin, plays a crucial role in the healing process by reducing inflammation. When MC1R is disrupted, wounds remain inflamed and fail to heal. Activating MC1R with a topical drug improved healing in experimental models, suggesting that targeting this molecule could lead to new treatments for chronic wounds.