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Digestive Enzymes to Get Rid of Scars

Protease enzymes like bromelain and papain are popular home remedies for eliminating scars. In theory, these powerful enzymes can remove scar tissue by digesting the injured tissue while leaving healthy, smooth skin in tact. Digestive enzymes are used within mainstream medicine as a treatment for severe skin trauma, including second- and third-degree burns. However, prepared topical treatments containing papain, the most popular protease enzyme, are now unavailable in the United States.

  1. Clinical Use

    • For decades, protein-digesting enzymes have been used for wound debridement in burn patients and people who have experienced serious trauma to the skin. In these urgent, clinical settings, enzymes are commonly used because they speed healing by "eating" dead or injured skin. A 2004 review published in the medical journal "Wounds" found that the protease enzymes papain and bromelain (derived from pineapple and papaya, respectively) are useful for removing dead and injured tissue. These enzymatic procedures tend to remove scabs and damaged tissue without harming nearby healthy skin. In theory, the same compounds may digest scars with equal efficacy.

    Regulation and Dangers

    • Until September 2008, over-the-counter products containing papain, a highly effective proteolytic enzyme, were available in health food stores and pharmacies. These creams and ointments were frequently used as topical treatments for scars, skin cancer, psoriasis, eczema, rashes and inflammation. Topical enzymes were well-received by consumers and health practitioners, but they were banned by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for over-the-counter (OTC) use. The FDA officially states that the reason for the ban is that some consumers are allergic to papaya, the plant source of papain, and may suffer allergic reactions after using these ointments.

    Home Use

    • While pre-manufactured enzyme creams are no longer available for OTC use, people can still use papain and bromelain to remove scars. These digestive enzymes are common ingredients in meat tenderizer, and it is possible to make a homemade scar treatment using meat tenderizer mixed with vegetable oil or Vitamin E. Because papaya and pineapple both contain naturally occurring enzymes, these raw fruits themselves can also be applied directly to a wound or scar. Avoid topical enzyme scar treatments if you are allergic to papaya or pineapple. These allergies are most common in people who also have latex allergies.

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