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Published in Dermatology

Journal Scan / Research · March 03, 2020

Effect of Topical Garlic on Wound Healing and Scarring

Dermatologic Surgery

TAKE-HOME MESSAGE

• This prospective study determined the efficacy of topical garlic ointment on surgical wound healing compared with Vaseline. The authors included 17 patients with two skin excisions who applied a 30% garlic ointment to one surgical wound and Vaseline to the other surgical wound twice daily. At week 2, the patients and the physician reported that the garlic site healed better in 59% and 65% of the wounds, respectively. At week 4, the patients and the physician reported that the garlic site healed better in 76% and 88% of wounds, respectively. Digital photograph analysis revealed less erythema in wounds treated with garlic (P=.02).

• In this small study, both patients and physicians reported superior healing of surgical wounds with more cosmetically appealing scars when treated with 30% garlic ointment compared with Vaseline, providing evidence for an ancient therapy that is known to promote healing and fight infection.

– InYoung Kim, MD, PhD

BACKGROUND

Historically, garlic containing compounds have been used on wounds to improve healing and ward off infection. Researchers have tested many of these ancient ointments, discovering that garlic is a common ingredient in those that are effective.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the efficacy of topical garlic on surgical wounds compared with Vaseline by analysis of visual analog scales and digital photograph analysis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Seventeen patients with 2 skin excisions applied a 30% garlic ointment to one surgical wound and Vaseline to the other surgical wound twice daily. They were followed up at 2 weeks and 4 weeks post-op. Digital photographs were taken of the sites, and wound visual analog scales were filled out by the patient and the physician.

RESULTS

Patients and the onsite physician stated the garlic site healed better in 59% and 65% of the wounds, respectively, at 2 weeks. At 4 weeks, the patients and the onsite physician stated the garlic site healed better in 76% and 88% of wounds, respectively. Digital photograph analysis revealed less erythema at the garlic sites (p-value = .02).

CONCLUSION

Surgical wounds treated with 30% garlic ointment healed with more cosmetically appealing scars than the Vaseline-treated sites.

Dermatologic Surgery

Effect of Topical Garlic on Wound Healing and Scarring: A Clinical Trial

Dermatol Surg 2019 Sep 02;[EPub Ahead of Print], M Alhashim, J Lombardo 

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Benjamin Hidalgo-Matlock
Skin Care Physicians of Costa Rica

Clinica Victoria en San Pedro: 4000-1054
Momentum Escazu: 2101-9574

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