During which phase of wound healing does the process of epithelialization occur?

Epithelialization occurs during the proliferative phase of wound healing. This phase is characterized by the formation of new tissue and is essential for wound closure. During this stage, fibroblasts proliferate and deposit collagen, which provides a scaffold for the new tissue. At the same time, keratinocytes migrate across the wound bed, covering it with new epithelial cells, which is integral to restoring the protective barrier of the skin.

Understanding the phases of wound healing is crucial in clinical practice, especially for physical therapists who may be involved in rehabilitation following skin injuries. The inflammatory phase primarily focuses on hemostasis (stopping the bleeding) and inflammation, where immune responses are activated to prevent infection. The maturation phase, also known as the remodeling phase, involves the strengthening and reorganization of the collagen matrix, where the wound's tensile strength increases over time but does not involve significant epithelialization. The option referring to the primary phase is not a recognized phase in the context of wound healing, further emphasizing the importance of identifying the correct terminology and phases.