Provided are compositions and methods for prophylaxis and/or therapy of dermal damage. The compositions and methods involve Toll like receptor (TLR) agonists that can inhibit the formation or accelerate healing of dermal damage, and/or inhibit inflammation at near the location of the dermal damage. The TLR agonists can be TLR2 and/or TLR5 agonists. The compositions and methods are suitable for prophylaxis and/or therapy of dermal damage caused by radiation, or non-radiation thermal injury such as burns caused by contact with heated surfaces or heated objects, light, and for disruptions in integument resulting in cuts, such as incisions, or punctures. The compositions can be used topically, subcutaneously or systemically. Articles of manufacture coated or impregnated with TLR agonist(s) are also provided.
