Vitamin E belongs to the family of fat-soluble vitamins and plays an important role in maintaining the health of cell membranes, the protective layer surrounding every cell in your body. The term vitamin E actually refers to eight related compounds that have similar yet distinct biological activity. Although vitamin E is widely considered beneficial for healing burns and other wounds, the evidence may not support these claims.
Burns
Roughly 4 million people suffer scarring due to burns every year, according to an article in the July 2006 issue of the medical journal "Canadian Family Physician." About 70 percent of those burn victims are children. Although some in the medical community have recommended treating scars with vitamin E, some studies have found no benefit. Further, many people have developed adverse reactions to vitamin E that have worsened the scarring.
Vitamin E Effects
Vitamin E has anti-oxidant properties. When applied to the skin, vitamin E appears to penetrate the deep layers of the skin. The anti-oxidants may help to protect cell membranes from oxidative damage and reduce inflammation.
Scar Appearance
Because of these beneficial properties, doctors have advised vitamin E for many types of scarring. However, vitamin E creams appear to irritate the skin of some people, which may cancel the benefits. A study published in the April 1999 issue of the journal "Dermatologic Surgery" found that 90 percent of those treated with vitamin E either showed no improvement or experienced a worsening of the scarring.
Side Effects
In addition to worsened scarring, 33 percent of the participants in the "Dermatologic Surgery" study developed contact dermatitis, a condition characterized by swollen, red skin, itching and tenderness. Hives and a systemic condition known as Erythema multiforme have also been reported after application of vitamin E, according to the "Canadian Family Physician" article. Vitamin E is a rather unstable compound, and some of these reactions may be the result vitamin decomposition, according to the article.
References
- "Canadian Family Physician"; Vitamin E for Treating Children's Scars; Dipen Khoosal and Ran D. Goldman; July 2006
- "Dermatologic Surgery"; The Effects of Topical Vitamin E on the Cosmetic Appearance of Scars; L.S. Baumann and J. Spencer; April 1999
- Office of Dietary Supplements of the National Institutes of Health: Vitamin E
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