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Topical wound healing agent

Birch bark extracts (betulin)

Brand names: Filsuvez, Episalvan

Birch bark extract (containing betulin and related triterpenes) is a topical gel used to aid wound healing, particularly of partial-thickness skin wounds including those from skin grafting and certain epidermolysis bullosa lesions.

Dosing — being independently re-sourced

ClinCalc Pro is rebuilding its dose data from primary open sources — the manufacturer SmPC (eMC), the WHO Model Formulary and other official references — under clinician review. This drug's structured dose is not yet published here. Confirm all doses against the product SmPC and your local formulary before prescribing.

Clinical monograph

How it works

The triterpene constituents are thought to modulate inflammatory mediators and keratinocyte differentiation and migration, promoting re-epithelialisation of partial-thickness wounds.

Prescribing in practice

  • It is intended for application to the wound surface under a dressing and should be used as directed for the licensed wound indications rather than as a general topical.
  • Local skin reactions such as wound-related pain, itching or healing complications may occur.
  • It is not a substitute for appropriate wound debridement, infection control and standard wound care.

Monitoring

Monitor wound healing and the surrounding skin at dressing changes for progress and signs of infection.

Counselling the patient

  • Apply a generous layer to the cleaned wound and cover with a dressing as advised.
  • Report increasing pain, redness or discharge that could indicate infection.
  • Continue standard wound care and attend planned reviews.

Evidence & guidelines

Birch bark extract gel is licensed for the treatment of partial-thickness skin wounds based on its wound-healing clinical trial programme.

Reference: NICE TA evaluation; DEBRA UK; SmPC; Drug verified in RxNorm (NLM); confirm dosing against the manufacturer SPC (eMC). Verify against your local formulary and current prescribing references before prescribing. Monograph status: clinician-reviewed (2026-07-04).

Related

Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.

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