Question: Is rubbing a healing wound with vitamin E a good way to reduce scar tissue formation?

Dr. Hibberd's Answer:

Topical application of vitamin E has been touted as a scar reducer by many private companies. Unfortunately, the medical literature has not supported these claims.

In fact, some victims of scar formation may in fact worsen their predicament by applying vitamin E preparations. There are miscellaneous reports that up to one-third of patients using vitamin E preparations topically may set themselves up for skin inflammation. We do not prescribe vitamin E topically for scar reduction.

Consult your dermatologist about this. Cortisone may retard keloid and scar formation, and silicone sheeting — the application of thin sheets of silicone — has been reported to reduce it. But all scar treatments should be reviewed with your doctor first because some cases may need more aggressive measures than others.