The present invention provides a topical composition comprising (i) an amount of an AP-1 signaling inhibitor sufficient to reduce, delay or prevent apoptosis and/or necrosis induced by dermal wounding and/or to induce and/or enhance proliferation of a cell; and (ii) a suitable carrier or excipient e.g., a topical carrier or excipient or other carrier or excipient for dermal application. For example, the AP-1 signaling inhibitor is a peptide analog comprising the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 104. The present invention also provides a method of treating a dermal wound comprising topically administering said topical composition to a subject suffering from a dermal wound.