Comparison of Postsurgical Scars Between Vegan and Omnivore Patients

Abstract

BACKGROUND Postsurgical skin healing can result in different scars types, ranging from a fine line to pathologic scars, in relation to patients' intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Although the role of nutrition in influencing skin healing is known, no previous studies investigated if the vegan diet may affect postsurgical wounds. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to compare surgical scars between omnivore and vegan patients. METHODS AND MATERIALS This is a prospective observational study. Twenty-one omnivore and 21 vegan patients who underwent surgical excision of a nonmelanoma skin cancer were enrolled. Postsurgical complications and scar quality were evaluated using the modified Scar Cosmesis Assessment and Rating (SCAR) scale. RESULTS Vegans showed a significantly lower mean serum iron level (p < .001) and vitamin B12 (p < .001). Wound diastasis was more frequent in vegans (p = .008). After 6 months, vegan patients had a higher modified SCAR score than omnivores (p < .001), showing the worst scar spread (p < .001), more frequent atrophic scars (p < .001), and worse overall impression (p < .001). CONCLUSION This study suggests that a vegan diet may negatively influence the outcome of surgical scars.

Diet-Related Phototoxic Reactions in Psoriatic Patients Undergoing Phototherapy: Results from a Multicenter Prospective Study

“…Several anecdotal cases had focused on vegetarian diet in humans with discordant results in establishing a potential cause-effect link between furocumarin-rich foods intake and a potential photosensitivity modification, conversely we found that a higher dietary intake of furocumarins in vegan and vegetarian diets is associated with greater skin sensitivity to NB-UVB phototherapy in psoriatic patients. Due to the increased prevalence of vegans and vegetarians among psoriatic patients [ 35 ], dermatologists started to evaluate potential differences in clinical outcomes and therapeutic management [ 36 , 37 ]. Although the Mediterranean diet, which is rich in vegetables, is regarded as beneficial for psoriatic patients [ 1 ], the impact of the single-food ingredients on phototherapy is entirely unknown.…”

“…To further empower this statement, small amounts of dietary intake of furocumarins were reported to trigger photoxicity in both PUVA and NB-UVB [ 20 , 36 ].…”

Influence of Preoperative Pro-Inflammatory Cytokines and Nutritional Status on Skin Scar Hyperplasia

“…On the contrary, proper preoperative feeding stimulates the healing process, since certain nutrients (such as glutamine, arginine, butyrate, and antioxidants) play an important role in regulating broblast proliferation and regulating type I and III collagen deposition [18]. A vegan diet has been reported to exert a negative impact on the outcome of surgical scars [19]. Therefore, evaluating the preoperative nutritional status of patients is crucial for the early rise and prevention of HS formation.…”

Dehiscencia de cúpula vaginal y evisceración postquirúrgica: reporte de caso

“…Otros factores que predisponen a la dehiscencia de la herida posquirúrgica son desnutrición, hipoproteinemia y anemia, las cuales afectan la síntesis de colágeno y la correcta cicatrización de heridas (8) . Esto ha sido corroborado por Fusano y colaboradores, quienes encontraron niveles más bajos de hierro, vitamina B12, diástasis de la herida y peor extensión e impresión de la cicatriz posquirúrgica en pacientes veganos frente a omnívoros (9) . Esto podría explicar la DCV de la paciente y el grosor disminuido de los músculos rectos del abdomen.…”