Application of BPC-157 peptide therapy in skin diseases

Summary: The described regenerative function enables the use of BPC-157 peptide therapy in skin diseases. The peptide not only accelerates the healing of existing dermatoses but also alleviates their symptoms and limits their spread.

Keywords: skin; epidermis; dermis; sweat glands; hair; hair follicles; skin disease; dermatoses; impetigo; atopic dermatitis; systemic lupus erythematosus; BPC-157 peptide therapy; folliculitis; skin burns; psoriasis; rosacea

Abbreviations: AD – Atopic Dermatitis; BPC-157 – Body Protection Compound; VEGF – Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor

Skin

Skin structure The skin covering our body is one of the largest organs of the human body. Its surface in an adult ranges from 1.6–2.0 m², and its thickness from 0.5 to 1.0 mm. It is composed of three main layers: the epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous tissue, along with associated sweat and sebaceous glands, hair, nails, blood and lymphatic vessels, and nerve endings. The epidermis, being the outermost layer of the skin, consists of the basal, spinous, granular, clear, and cornified layers. The dermis includes the papillary and reticular layers as well as skin appendages. The network of nerves is located in the dermis, and the skin’s vascular supply is both arterial-venous and lymphatic. In addition, the skin surface is covered with a lipid film and desquamated epidermis. A schematic overview of skin structure is shown below.

Skin functions

The skin, performing an important physiological role, protects internal organs from harmful environmental, physical, chemical, and microbiological factors. It also maintains balance between the organism and its environment. The most important, well-known functions of the skin include its protective function, thermoregulatory function, participation in water and excretory balance, involvement in the synthesis of proteins and other compounds, and participation in the metabolism of proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates. Additionally, it plays an important role in immune response and sensory conduction.

Skin diseases (Dermatoses)

Dermatoses are changes that occur on the skin. They may involve all layers of the skin and even blood vessels, lymphatic vessels, and nerves. Diagnosis of skin disease is based on the presence of lesions, which are divided into primary and secondary. Primary lesions result from the development of the disease process, while secondary lesions arise from primary ones, such as scars. Dermatoses can be classified into several groups, including etiology (viral, bacterial, or parasitic), location of lesions (hair or nails), or characteristics of primary lesions. Skin diseases are not only burdensome for normal functioning but their unaesthetic appearance also reduces well-being; therefore, appropriate therapy is crucial for treatment or symptom relief. Some examples are presented in the table below (Table 1).

Table 1. Selected skin diseases – overview

BPC-157 peptide therapy for selected dermatoses

1. Folliculitis

As is known, BPC-157 peptide therapy is used for regenerative purposes. Hair follicles, which are channels from which hair grows and are part of the skin structure, form the lipid barrier protecting the skin from damage. When a hair follicle is damaged, microorganisms enter the canal and begin to proliferate. In response, inflammation develops. Folliculitis has two main causes: non-infectious and infectious. The first is associated with the use of drugs such as corticosteroids or results from radiation-induced inflammation due to excessive sun exposure. The infectious form is caused by bacteria such as streptococci and staphylococci, and also by Pseudomonas aeruginosa, often associated with contaminated swimming pools. Factors increasing the risk include daily activities such as depilation, shaving, or prolonged skin contact with clothing. Folliculitis appears as a red nodule or pustule around a hair. Untreated or improperly managed cases may recur and lead to more serious conditions such as boils; therefore, it should not be ignored. One method of treatment and prevention is BPC-157 peptide therapy.

a. BPC-157 therapy

Skin conditions are accompanied by pain, discomfort, and unaesthetic appearance; therefore, the regenerative capacity of BPC-157 is highly valued. Thanks to its action, proliferation and differentiation of the basal epidermal layer occur, which is crucial in folliculitis. Rapid closure of follicular wounds through epithelial cell migration and proliferation is essential for restoring the barrier function of the organism. The peptide stimulates macrophages and fibroblasts, accelerating inflammation resolution and wound healing by releasing growth factors that promote further fibroblast migration and proliferation. Inflammatory cytokines are also released to trigger immune response and eliminate infection. Regular use of BPC-157 allows rapid elimination of infectious causes, reducing the risk of folliculitis occurrence. In existing cases, it reduces symptoms, accelerates healing, and limits spread.

2. Atopic dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease. Its exact cause is not fully understood; however, the most likely factors are genetic. Other causes include poor hygiene, allergens, or immune system dysfunction. Symptoms include itching, swelling, eczema, dryness, redness, and lichenification. The skin may become thickened due to scratching. Proper treatment is necessary to reduce symptoms and prevent spread to adjacent skin areas.

a. BPC-157 therapy

In AD, there is an imbalance between TH1 and TH2 lymphocytes. BPC-157 therapy acts on T-cell pathways by blocking specific molecules involved in itching and inflammation. As in folliculitis, it stimulates macrophage activity, increasing production of B, T, and NK lymphocytes, restoring immune balance and reducing symptoms such as lichenification and excessive skin thickening caused by itching. Although corticosteroids are commonly used, they have significant side effects with long-term use; therefore, alternative therapies are important. BPC-157 may serve as a safe long-term therapeutic agent.

3. Effects of BPC-157 therapy on atopic dermatitis symptoms

Burns

Burns involve varying degrees of skin damage. First-degree burns affect only the epidermis; second-degree burns involve the epidermis and part of the dermis; third-degree burns affect all skin layers and subcutaneous tissue; fourth-degree burns extend to deeper tissues and cause necrosis. Treatment can be long and painful, requiring effective symptom relief and accelerated healing.

a. BPC-157 therapy

BPC-157 increases collagen production and reduces inflammatory cell numbers. It promotes VEGF activity, stimulating blood vessel formation and enhancing regeneration. It also reduces necrosis and promotes reticular fiber formation, leading to faster healing and smaller, less visible scars.

4. Skin necrosis

Skin necrosis occurs in areas of existing injury, typically due to crushing, frostbite, or burns. Causes include tissue hypoxia, ischemia, or bacterial infection. Two types exist: dry gangrene (non-bacterial) and wet gangrene (bacterial). Symptoms include pain, swelling, redness, and later blistering with pus or gas. Systemic symptoms may also appear. Treatment includes antibiotics, oxygen therapy, or surgical removal of necrotic tissue. Modern approaches suggest the use of BPC-157.

a. BPC-157 therapy

BPC-157 reduces ulcer formation and limits lesion size. It activates TGF-β1, increasing capillary formation without vessel enlargement, promoting reticulin and collagen fiber development, and preserving hair follicles. These effects support its effectiveness in treating skin necrosis.

5. Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic, recurrent, non-contagious skin disease. Lesions typically appear on elbows, knees, and scalp. Its cause is not fully known but is linked to genetic factors such as HLA-Cw6 polymorphism. Immunological mechanisms involving Langerhans cells and T lymphocytes also play a role. Symptoms include red-brown scaly plaques; after scratching, the skin appears smooth and shiny, and minor trauma may cause bleeding. Treatment depends on disease severity and includes topical or systemic therapy.

a. BPC-157 therapy

BPC-157 inhibits overexpression of β-defensins, LL-37, RNase 7, psoriasin, and lysozyme, improving skin infection resistance. While it does not eliminate the disease, it improves quality of life and reduces symptoms. It may also slow disease progression and prevent flare-ups.

6. Rosacea

Rosacea is a chronic disease affecting primarily the facial skin, typically appearing after age 30. Causes include genetic, hormonal, vascular, infectious, dietary, psychological, and environmental factors. Symptoms begin on the nose and spread to cheeks, chin, forehead, neck, and décolleté. Treatment requires lifestyle changes and often antibiotics. BPC-157 is proposed as a potential therapeutic agent.

a. BPC-157 therapy

In rosacea, there is increased expression of cathelicidin. BPC-157 activates KLK5 enzyme activity, normalizing its distribution in affected skin. This reduces symptom severity and prevents spread to adjacent facial areas.

Summary

Healthy skin integrity and appearance ensure comfort and proper body function. Dermatoses range from minor to severe conditions, and appropriate treatment is essential. BPC-157 peptide therapy is described as effective and safe in many dermatoses. Even prophylactic use does not produce adverse effects and may provide therapeutic benefits.

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