Does Vitamin E Really Help Scars?

In 1986 one of the largest studies to investigate the effect of vitamin E on scars was published in The Journal of Burn Care and Rehabilitation.

A group of 159 people with scars from burns were randomly selected, some to regularly apply a normal topical cream and others to apply vitamin E to their scars.

The vitamin E group showed no noticeable improvement in the size, thickness or appearance of their scars by the end of the study.

In another study conducted in 1999, scientists at the University of Miami followed a group of patients who had recently had minor surgery. (Dermatologic Surgery, Apr. 1999)

Each patient was instructed to apply each to a separate half of their scars twice daily for four weeks. One half with a vitamin E containing ointment and the other with another ointment. Finally the scars were evaluated by the patients, the scientists and an independent observer.

The appearance of the scars treated with vitamin E did not improve. In fact, many looked worse. Almost a third of the patients actually developed an allergic reaction called contact dermatitis (red rash) in response to vitamin E.

"Vitamin E capsules are often opened and rubbed on the scar. Tell people it doesn't work . . . and can cause contact dermatitis. Topical steroids don't help. They're probably not absorbed well. Onion extract . . . is heavily promoted for scars . . . but so far there's not enough proof that it's effective."

"topical vitamin E may actually cause more harm than good,

Although many patients believe vitamin E speeds wound healing and improves the look of a scar, current evidence from the literature does not support this idea.

In fact, studies report adverse effects with use of vitamin E. Because of this, discourage your patients from using topical vitamin E on healing wounds and scars."

Another study evaluated 97 people with old or new scars who used either an onion based gel or a placebo gel.

After two months, there was no difference in scar size, redness, overall improvement, elevation and softness when assessed by physicians. However when asked to assess their own scars, significantly more people using the onion gel thought their scars were softer and less noticeable.

"vitamin E has complex effects on wound healing," and concludes "the evidence that topical vitamin E alone improves the cosmetic appearance of scars is poor. It is also associated with a high incidence of contact dermatitis. The use of vitamin E should, therefore, be discouraged."

• Asparagus
• Avocado
• Nuts (almonds, hazelnuts)
• Peanut butter
• Milk
• Seeds
• Liver
• Egg yolk
• Spinach and other green leafy vegetables
• Vegetable oils (corn, sunflower, soybean, olive oil) and margarine
• Wheat germ
• Whole grain foods