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 or applied to the skin. However, there is limited reliable evidence that it is effective. Clinical studies have shown some benefits with the topical application of gotu kola for pain relief, but more studies are needed.

According to some traditional medicine 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.

Experimental research indicates that plant metabolites like quercetin, green tea catechins (EGCG), and curcumin have anti‑fibrotic and anti‑inflammatory actions relevant to scar formation by affecting pathways such as TGF‑β/Smad signaling. However, while these natural compounds show promise in preclinical models, large‑scale human clinical trials are still lacking to confirm their effectiveness in reducing scars.

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

Abdelrahman, et al. “Comparative Effectiveness of Plant‑Derived Compounds in Keloid Management: A Review.” Journal of Dermatological Science, 2025, p. PMC12307374, pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12307374/. Accessed 16 Dec. 2025.

Aust, M. C., et al. "Percutaneous Collagen Induction Therapy: An Alternative Treatment for Burn Scars." Burns, vol. 36, 2010, 836-43.

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. 108-16.