Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) has recently been shown to be a mitogen for keratinocytes. This observation has now been extended in a porcine model of epidermal wound healing. A single application of recombinant human bFGF given at the time of injury to healthy animals accelerated the rate of epithelialization by 20%; multiple applications gave no greater effect than the single application. Histologic analysis of biopsies of these partial-thickness wounds taken during bFGF-mediated healing supported the assessment of an enhanced rate of epithelialization and an earlier onset of dermal healing. Because no histologic abnormalities were observed, bFGF induced an acceleration of what appears to be the normal healing process.