Understanding the Role: Is Vitamin E Good for Healing Sores?

October 18, 2025 •

4 min read

Despite widespread anecdotal belief, multiple studies have produced mixed and sometimes discouraging results regarding the topical application of vitamin E for scar and wound healing. Understanding the nutritional science, including whether is vitamin E good for healing sores, requires looking beyond simple topical use to its systemic role and potential risks.

Quick Summary

The effectiveness of topical vitamin E for healing sores and reducing scars is debated, with some studies showing little benefit and risks like contact dermatitis. Systemic vitamin E, however, is a vital antioxidant that supports overall wound healing processes. Proper wound care involves a balanced diet, including vitamin E-rich foods, and avoiding potentially irritating topical applications on open wounds.

Key Points

Topical Use Is Not Recommended: Studies have shown that rubbing vitamin E oil on scars and sores may not help and can even cause allergic contact dermatitis or worsen their appearance.
Systemic Intake Is Key: When consumed through a balanced diet or supplements, vitamin E functions as an antioxidant, supporting the body's natural wound-healing processes from the inside.
Follow Proper Wound Care: The most effective treatment for healing sores involves cleaning the wound with water, applying petroleum jelly or an antibiotic ointment, and covering it with a sterile bandage.
Antioxidant Properties Aid Healing: The antioxidant nature of vitamin E helps protect cells from free radical damage, which is part of a healthy inflammatory response during healing.
Dietary Intake Is Superior: For optimal absorption and benefit, prioritize food sources rich in vitamin E like seeds, nuts, and leafy greens over unproven topical applications.
Combined Nutrients Are Better: The benefits of vitamin E are often enhanced when combined with other nutrients like vitamin C and zinc, which are also vital for healing.

The Scientific Evidence on Vitamin E and Wound Healing

Vitamin E, a fat-soluble antioxidant, plays a critical role in protecting body cells from oxidative stress caused by free radicals. This protective function is particularly relevant during the complex process of wound healing, which involves inflammation and tissue regeneration. However, the specific method of vitamin E application—whether topical or systemic—and the context of its use are paramount to understanding its effectiveness and safety.

Topical Application: More Risk than Reward?

The belief that rubbing vitamin E oil on a new wound or scar will make it heal better or fade faster is a popular misconception, often passed down anecdotally. Clinical studies on this practice have largely failed to produce convincing evidence of its benefits. For example, one 1999 study found that topical vitamin E not only failed to improve the cosmetic appearance of surgical scars but also caused contact dermatitis (an allergic skin reaction) in nearly one-third of participants. In fact, 90% of cases in that study showed no effect or worsened scar appearance. Dermatologists now frequently discourage using topical vitamin E on surgical wounds due to these findings. The potential for skin irritation and allergic reactions, especially on sensitive or healing skin, is a significant risk.

Systemic Intake: The Internal Advantage

Where topical application falls short, systemic intake through diet or supplements shows promise. Vitamin E, when consumed, supports the body's natural healing mechanisms from the inside out.

Antioxidant Protection: By neutralizing free radicals, vitamin E helps mitigate excessive oxidative stress during the inflammatory phase of healing, promoting a healthier environment for tissue repair.
Collagen Synthesis: It aids in collagen synthesis, which is crucial for building new, healthy tissue and skin integrity.
Immune Support: A well-functioning immune system is essential for preventing infection and managing inflammation in a healing wound. Vitamin E helps modulate immune cell function.

Furthermore, research indicates that the benefits of vitamin E may be amplified when consumed in conjunction with other antioxidants. A study found that supplementing with vitamins E, C, and zinc accelerated wound healing time in children.

Sources of Vitamin E for a Healthy Diet

For optimal healing, focusing on a nutrient-rich diet is more effective than relying on potentially irritating topical treatments. The body absorbs and utilizes vitamin E from dietary sources more efficiently. Some of the best foods for obtaining this vital nutrient include:

Sunflower seeds
Almonds
Wheat germ oil
Hazelnuts
Spinach
Broccoli
Avocado
Sunflower oil
Peanuts
Pumpkin

Comparison: Topical Vitamin E vs. Best Practices for Wound Care


Feature	Topical Vitamin E Application	Best Practices for Wound Care
Scientific Evidence	Mixed results; significant risk of skin irritation and dermatitis reported.	Strong evidence supporting proper cleaning, moisture management, and protection.
Application Method	Rubbing oil or cream directly onto the wound or scar.	Cleaning with water, applying a thin layer of petroleum jelly, and covering with a sterile bandage.
Potential Risks	Allergic contact dermatitis, worsened scar appearance, irritation.	Infection if proper hygiene is not maintained; minimal risk with correct procedure.
Primary Goal	Often mistakenly used to reduce scars or expedite healing aesthetically.	To create an optimal moist, clean environment for natural, healthy tissue regeneration.
Mechanism	Believed to moisturize and provide localized antioxidant benefits, though often ineffective.	Supports the body's intrinsic healing processes through cleanliness and moisture.
Expert Recommendation	Discouraged by many dermatologists for scar treatment.	Recommended by medical professionals, including the Mayo Clinic.

Proper Care for Healing Sores

For effective healing, proper wound care is far more crucial than applying unproven topical remedies. Follow these steps recommended by healthcare professionals:

Wash Your Hands: Before touching the wound, wash your hands to prevent contamination.
Clean the Wound: Gently rinse the wound with clean, running water. Wash the area around the wound with soap, but avoid getting soap inside the wound itself, as it can cause irritation. Do not use hydrogen peroxide or iodine, which can damage tissue.
Apply Ointment: A thin layer of petroleum jelly can keep the surface moist and prevent it from drying out, which helps minimize scarring. Antibiotic ointments can also be used, but be aware of the risk of mild rashes.
Cover the Wound: Use a sterile bandage or gauze to keep the wound clean and protected from bacteria.
Change the Dressing: Replace the dressing at least once daily or whenever it becomes wet or dirty.

The Importance of Overall Nutrition

While topical vitamin E is not recommended for open sores, your dietary intake of this and other nutrients remains essential. Adequate nutrition supports the body's healing ability. Alongside vitamin E, other nutrients like protein, vitamin C, and zinc are critical for tissue repair, immune function, and collagen synthesis. Malnourished individuals, including the elderly, are at a higher risk for impaired wound healing, highlighting the importance of a balanced diet.

Conclusion: A Balanced Perspective on Vitamin E and Sores

In summary, while vitamin E plays a fundamental role in overall health and supports the body's internal wound-healing mechanisms as an antioxidant, applying it topically to sores or fresh scars is not a recommended practice. Clinical evidence does not support its efficacy for scar reduction and points to potential adverse effects like contact dermatitis. Instead of reaching for a vitamin E capsule to rub on a sore, focus on a balanced diet rich in vitamin E and other essential nutrients to support your body's natural healing from within. Adhering to proven, standard wound care protocols—cleaning the wound and keeping it moist and covered—remains the most effective strategy for promoting healthy, swift tissue repair. If you have concerns about a non-healing wound, always consult a healthcare professional. For more details on proper wound care, the Mayo Clinic offers extensive first-aid guidelines.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, applying vitamin E oil directly to a wound or fresh scar is not generally recommended. Clinical studies have shown mixed results, and there is a significant risk of causing an allergic reaction called contact dermatitis, which can worsen the wound's appearance.

As an antioxidant, dietary vitamin E helps protect the body's cells from oxidative stress during the inflammatory phase of healing. It also supports collagen synthesis and a healthy immune response, both of which are crucial for effective tissue regeneration.

Excellent food sources of vitamin E include sunflower seeds, almonds, wheat germ oil, sunflower oil, and leafy green vegetables like spinach and broccoli. Nuts, seeds, and vegetable oils are particularly rich sources.

The main risks include contact dermatitis, an allergic skin reaction that presents as a red, itchy rash, and potentially worsening the cosmetic appearance of the scar. Evidence suggests the moisturizing effect is often misinterpreted as the vitamin's healing power.

For most people, a balanced diet provides sufficient vitamin E. In certain cases, such as in malnourished individuals or those with specific conditions, supplements may be considered, but only under the guidance of a healthcare professional to avoid excessive intake. Combining vitamins C, E, and zinc has shown benefits in some studies.

The Mayo Clinic recommends washing your hands, cleaning the wound gently with water (avoiding hydrogen peroxide or iodine), applying a thin layer of petroleum jelly to keep it moist, and covering it with a sterile bandage.

Optimal nutrition provides the body with the necessary building blocks and immune support for tissue repair. Deficiencies in nutrients like protein, vitamin E, vitamin C, and zinc can impair healing and increase the risk of infection, especially in vulnerable populations like the elderly.