A prospective study in children: Pre- and post-surgery use of vitamin E in surgical incisions

Summary Background One of the main problems of elective surgery is the cosmetic result. Objective This prospective controlled study aims to determine the effects of topical vitamin E on cosmetic results in children. Methods A single-blind study was carried out. Topical vitamin E was used on the intended incision site for at least 15 days, thrice daily, before surgery and for at least 30 days, twice daily, after surgery (group A). The control group received topical petrolatum-based ointment (group B). Results No patients in group A developed keloids. A total of 96% of patients (or parents) considered the cosmetic results very good. No patients had wound infection. In the control group, only 78% of patients (or parents) considered the cosmetic results very good and 13 (6.5%) patients developed keloids after 6 months. There were no cases of wound infection. Conclusion Topical vitamin E before and after surgery improved surgical wound healing and improved cosmetic results.