Natural treatments for scar tissue
Natural treatments for scar tissue focus on the management and improvement of fibrous tissue that forms following wounds, surgeries, or other skin injuries. While conventional methods like cryotherapy and surgical removal can be partially effective, they may not always yield satisfactory results and can sometimes lead to the development of new scars. Various natural remedies have been proposed, including herbs like gotu kola, which is believed to help in reducing keloid scars, although evidence of its effectiveness remains limited. Other natural options include topical applications of aloe vera, coconut oil, and oils such as jojoba and lavender, alongside vitamins A, C, E, and minerals like zinc. Treatments like acupuncture are also suggested, where some practitioners claim it may help in reducing scar-related pain and improving mobility. However, scientific support for these natural treatments is often lacking, and while some may offer anecdotal benefits, more rigorous studies are needed to validate their effectiveness. Overall, individuals exploring natural treatments for scar tissue should approach these options with caution and consider the variability in efficacy based on each person's unique skin and healing response.
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Subject Terms
Natural treatments for scar tissue
DEFINITION: Treatment of the fibrous tissue that naturally forms after surgery, disease, or a wound to the skin.
PRINCIPAL PROPOSED NATURAL TREATMENTS: None
OTHER PROPOSED NATURAL TREATMENTS: Acupuncture, allantoin, aloe vera, coconut oil, collagen, elastin, gotu kola, honey, jojoba oil, lavender oil, magnet therapy, massage, onion extract, lemon juice, selenium, snail extract, tamanu oil, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc
Introduction
When the body repairs a wound, it often creates fibrous scar tissue. Internal scars that may develop following surgery can cause significant pain. Surface scars are generally painless, but they may be cosmetically unpleasant. In some cases, scars on the skin can develop into a special form of oversized scar called a keloid. Keloids are generally red or pink and often form a ridge several millimeters above the skin. These scars occur when the body fills the scar with collagen after healing. Darker-skinned people are more likely than others to develop keloids.
Conventional treatment of any type of scar is only partially satisfactory. Keloids and other scars on the skin may be reduced in size by freezing (cryotherapy), steroid injections, radiation therapy, or surgical removal. However, an even more visible scar may develop in place of the removed one. Similarly, removing painful internal scars may lead to new, painful scar tissue formation.
Proposed Natural Treatments
The herb gotu kola is said to help remove keloid scars. It is taken orally, applied to the skin, or injected into the scar. However, there is limited reliable evidence that it is effective. Clinical studies have shown some benefits with the topical application of gotu kola, but more studies are needed.
According to some acupuncture schools, surface scars impede energy flow and cause various illnesses. Acupuncture treatment of surface and internal scars is said to shrink or reduce their effects. However, there is limited meaningful scientific evidence to indicate that acupuncture offers any benefits for scars. The studies that do show benefits from using acupuncture to treat scars showed improvements in pain and mobility but not appearance.
Other natural treatments proposed for scars, but again without reliable supporting evidence, include aloe vera, allantoin, coconut oil, collagen, elastin, jojoba oil, lavender oil, massage, magnet therapy, onion extract, lemon juice, selenium, snail extract, tamanu oil, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, and zinc.
Bibliography
Aust, M. C., et al. "Percutaneous Collagen Induction Therapy: An Alternative Treatment for Burn Scars." Burns, vol. 36, 2010, pp. 836-843.
Perkins, Sara. "How to Get Rid of Old Scars: Top 10 Remedies. Healthline, 13 Sept. 2024, www.healthline.com/health/how-to-get-rid-of-old-scars. Accessed 21 Sept. 2024.
"Scars." Cleveland Clinic, 15 Mar. 2021, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/11030-scars. Accessed 21 Sept. 2024.
Roseborough, I. E., M. A. Grevious, and R. C. Lee. "Prevention and Treatment of Excessive Dermal Scarring." Journal of the National Medical Association, vol. 96, 2004, pp. 108-116.