Rat skin was deprived of epidermis and the wound was exposed to ions generated with Bion 80 apparatus, for 3 h, just after wounding, only once.

In comparison with the control, positive air ions retarded and negative air ions accelerated the wound healing. This effect was almost the same when air, nitrogen, oxygen and carbon dioxide were applied.

A direct action of air ions is suggested.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/3709755