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Topical vitamin E for healing scarsTo answer this question, researchers have tested the efficacy of vitamin E at removing scars. Surprisingly, an investigation in Dermatologic Surgery found that applying vitamin E to healing wounds could in fact encumber the skin's repair process. In this study, researchers gave 15 patients who underwent skin cancer removal surgeries two types of post-wound ointments. One ointment (A) contained just commons moisturizing agents, and the other ointment (B) contained the same ingredients as item A but with the addition of vitamin E.
Each patient applied cream A to one-half of their wound and cream B to the other half of their wound twice a day for four weeks. Both the scar patients and physicians observed the cosmetic changes in the scars at week one, four and twelve after the start of the study.
Contrary to popular belief, in this study, for 90% of the patients, topical vitamin E either had no effect on, or actually worsened the cosmetic appearance of scars. Also, 33% of the study volunteers developed a contact dermatitis to the vitamin E. Based on these results, the investigators discouraged the use of topical vitamin E for treating scars.
Consuming vitamin E to heal scarsWhile applying vitamin E to the skin in an effort speed the skin's repair process may not work, enjoying a diet rich in vitamin could. For example, a report in International Journal of Experimental Pathology found that in mice, low levels of antioxidants, like vitamin E, delayed wound healing.
To make vitamin E a team player in your acne scar repair process, you need to consume sufficient amounts of this fat-soluble nutrient. The recommended dietary allowance for vitamin E is 30 International Units (IU) per day.
The tolerable upper intake level of vitamin E is 1,500 IU per day for adults. Food sources of vitamin E include almonds, sunflower seed kernels, sunflower oil wheat germ oil, and hazelnuts.
If your diet lacks vitamin E, supplements are an option. Health stores sale vitamin E supplements as alpha-tocopheryl acetate, a form of alpha-tocopherol that protects its ability to serve as an antioxidant.
You will find the synthetic form labeled "D, L" and the natural form labeled "D". But, keep in mind that according to the National Institutes of Health, the synthetic form of vitamin E is only half as active as the natural form.
In short, in addition to buying a vitamin E cream to heal your scars faster, you can also enjoy vitamin E rich meals.
Sources:
National Institutes of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements. Dietary supplement fact sheet: Vitamin E. January 23, 2007.
Rasik, Anamika M & Arti Shukla. Antioxidant status in delayed healing type of wounds. International Journal of Experimental Pathology; August 2000, vol 81, no 4, pp. 257-263.
Baumann LS & Md JS. The effects of topical vitamin E on the cosmetic appearance of scars Dermatologic Surgery; April 1999, vol 25, no 4, pp 311-315.
Surgery is necessary in order to heal from a number of conditions however sometimes its effects on the human body are grossly underestimated. There are many examples of those brave souls who have had a surgical procedure deemed a success by the doctor who performed it only to find out that they needed much more time to recover.
Healing from surgery involves both the mind and the body. Body tissues take a certain time to heal and this is what is usually conveyed by the surgeon. However, the mind also plays a role in healing. Dealing with the psychological stress of surgery can be quite a challenge.
The stress associated with surgery was studied by researchers from Tel Aviv University's Department of Psychology led by Professor Shamgar Ben-Eliyahu. The researchers examined the effects of surgery-related stress on the body. The physical effects of surgery on the body are well known but what about the psychological effects?
According to the researchers the chemicals released by the body in response to fear suppress the immune system. When our minds experience fear our bodies respond by releasing a number of hormones including adrenaline (norepinephrine and epinephrine). The adrenaline helps us to get ready to deal with a threatening situation. It also inhibits our immune systems.
This can lead to problems, especially directly after surgery. This is a time when the body needs to heal from the physical stress of the surgical assault on the tissues. It is also when the body needs to finish the job of the surgeon by destroying what is left of a cancerous tumor. It doesn't help if the immune system is compromised by the effects of psychological fear.
Inhibiting these stress hormones may help in reducing the recurrence of cancer after surgery. Stress-reducing techniques such as those studied in psychoneuroimmunology have been shown to reduce the secretion of adrenaline and improve immune function. These techniques include guided imagery, visualization and meditation. One technique called progressive muscle relaxation is very effective at reducing stress. In this technique patients contract and relax various muscle groups while performing deep breathing. Music can also be used to facilitate the technique.
The results of this study suggest that mind-body healing can become a part of an overall post-surgical healing program. Future patients may not only consult with their surgeons but may also work with practitioners employing mind-body techniques to help to boost the immune system.
Reference:
Brain, Behaviour, and Immunity (2007)