Burns occurs frequently, accounting for as many as 1 to 2 million doctor's visits and 50,000 to 70,000 hospitalizations each year, the University of Maryland Medical Center reports. Between 30 and 40 percent of all burns occur in children, with most childhood burns caused by scalding liquid. Topical vitamin E oil has long been used as a treatment for burns, but studies haven't supported its use. Don't put vitamin E on a burn without your medical practitioner's approval.
Time Frame
Vitamin E should never be applied to new burns, according to the Tang Center at UC Berkeley, because vitamin E can impede rather than facilitate healing. Once new skin forms, you can apply vitamin E if your medical practitioner approves. Do not apply vitamin E to open wounds or blisters, since ointments that don't contain antibiotics may increase the risk of infection, the Health Sciences Center of the University of Utah website adds.
Dosage
Vitamin E should never be applied to new burns, according to the Tang Center at UC Berkeley, because vitamin E can impede rather than facilitate healing. One new skin forms, you can apply vitamin E if your medical practitioner approves. Do not apply vitamin E to open wounds or blisters, since ointments that don't contain antibiotics may increase the risk of infection, the Health Sciences Center of the University of Utah website adds.
Benefits
Some people swear by vitamin E for healing burns without leaving a scar. While there's no clinical proof that it work, many people do feel it helped their burn. MayoClinic.com states that vitamin E doesn't promote healing or decrease surgical wound scarring. If you do use vitamin E for a burn, follow your medical practitioner's instructions exactly.
Risks
Vitamin E can cause a skin rash, or dermatitis, when applied directly to your skin. If a rash develops, discontinue use and see your medical practitioner.
Prevention
When used in combination with other antioxidants such as vitamin C, oral vitamin E oil in capsules may help prevent sunburn by blocking ultraviolet rays, University of Michigan Health System reports. This effect does not occur when taking either vitamin alone. Talk with your doctor before using this treatment for sunburn prevention, as the sun can cause severe burns.
Member Comments