Vitamin E (Tocopherol — Topical Scar Management)

How it works

Vitamin E is a lipid-soluble antioxidant that may moisturise the skin and theoretically modulate oxidative processes in healing tissue, but a defined mechanism of scar improvement is not established.

Prescribing in practice

• Topical vitamin E can cause contact dermatitis and, in some studies, has not improved and may worsen cosmetic scar outcomes, so it is not a substitute for evidence-based scar care.
• Apply only to intact, healed skin and discontinue if irritation develops.
• Where active scar management is needed, prefer options supported by scar-management guidance and current prescribing references.

Monitoring

Review the scar and surrounding skin for any local reaction and reassess if there is no benefit or if irritation occurs.

Counselling the patient

• Explain that evidence that vitamin E improves scars is weak and it can sometimes irritate the skin.
• Advise applying only to fully healed skin and stopping if a rash develops.
• Discuss better-supported scar treatments such as silicone if scar management is a priority.

Evidence & guidelines

Controlled studies have not demonstrated reliable scar benefit from topical vitamin E and have reported contact dermatitis, so it is not recommended as a primary scar treatment.