effect of different concentrations of topical vitamin E on cosmetic appearance of hypertrophic and keloid scars

ABSTRACT

There are a few clinical trials on human that show the effect of topical vitamin E on keloid and hypertrophic scars. In this investigation we try to study this effect and also show the effect of the concentrations which have not been considered yet in improving hypertrophic scar and keloid healing. In a double-blind randomized clinical trial, 32 patients who had hypertrophic scar from 12 weeks ago were given three ointments including placebo and ointments contaning injectional vitamin E [d-a tocopheryl] with different concentrations [300Iu/mg and 600Iu/mg]. The scars size, erythema and hardness were evaluated by patients and physicians after 1, 4 and 12 weeks. Data was analyzed using ANOVA and Kruskal Walis tests. After 12 weeks there were no signs or symptoms of dermatitis and rash. Comparison of the scar size after 1 week showed difference between the high concentrated ointment with the others and in the 12[th] week all of the ointments were different [p<0.001]. Evaluation of the scar erythema, in the 1[th], 4[th] and 12[th] week showed significant difference between vitamin ointments and placebo [p<0.001], also scar hardness in the 12[th] week was significantly different between groups [p<0.001], but in the first and 4[th] week no difference was detected in hardness. This study shows that topical vitamin E has good effects on keloid and hypertropic scars. Their effect in decreasing size and erythema is more considerable than scar hardness