The Process Of Healing Scars And Vitamin A

Healing Scars And Vitamin A - A Background

Scar tissue forms when the process of tissue repair is carried out mainly by the stroma, which is the supporting connective tissue. Here, fibroblasts are involved. Fibroblasts are a type of cell conatined in connective tissue that secrete the molecules that form the matrix, or ground substance and fibers. The matrix determines the tissue's qualities, for example, the matrix of blood is fluid, the matrix of bone is hard.

So, fibroblasts use collagen and other materials from the mnatrix to make scar tissue, in a process called fibrosis. Because scar tissue is not formed from the types of specialised cells that made up the original tissue, whether it be skin or organ tissue, they have a different appearance and are not able to perform the same functions.

What is critical in repairing tissue to its original state, is the ability of the cells, called parenchymal cells, from the original still working part of the body associated with the injury, to regenerate. For example, other skin cells, or if you've had surgery on say your abdomen, whatever andominal cells were involved. The body has different cells, with specific functions associated with different organs and parts of the body. That is how those organs are able to function in specific ways.

Healing Scars And Vitamin A - Nutritional Support

Protein is important as most of the cells are made from protein. Vitamins involved include vitamin A (for replacement of epithelial tissue), the B vitamins (which act as coenzymes), vitamin C (involved in collagen production, strengthening and forming new blood vessels), vitamin D (particularly for healing associated with bones), vitamin E, and vitamin K for the production of proteins involved in blood clotting.

As you can see, vitamin A is but one vitamin involved in wound repair. All the nutrients are needed to optimise the healing process and prevent scarring. Oral vitamin A, within the recommended or maximal daily allowances, is a better option than topically applying vitamin A.

Active Manuka honey, that is UMF certified, is a good option for applying topically, to either an open or exisiting wound, or to an old scar to help minimise its appearance. The research that I have seen has been on new wounds, and active manuka honey does work in preventing scarring. I do think it is worthwhile to try on existing scars. Another option for exisitng scars is using copper peptides to help remodel the skin. More information on copper peptides is here.

References: Tortura and Grabowski, Principles Of Anatmy and Physiology 7th ed.

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