Scars may add character…well, at least until one shows up on you. Then the only character that emerges is the one that’s desperate to get rid of your big, ugly, raised scar. Thankfully for that side of you, there’s Mederma Cream with SPF 30 ($20.50, Amazon.com). Proposed to accelerate healing and reduce the appearance of scarring with its Allium cepa onion-bulb extract, Mederma Cream with SPF 30 additionally includes sunscreen in hopes to prevent hypertrophy and inflammation resulting from UV exposure.
Current independent research: Mederma may not work better than Aquaphor?
While great in theory, the research supporting Mederma Cream with SPF 30 and Mederma in general is disappointingly limited. According to a 2002 research study in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, onion bulb extract-treated scars on rabbit ears showed a statistically significant improvement in dermal collagen organization in comparison to scars that were not treated with Mederma (p < 0.05). (No significant difference in dermal vascularity or inflammation was noted.) The authors of the study proposed that improved dermal collagen organization could have an effect on hypertrophic scar formation, i.e., potentially reducing the formation or degree of raised scars. However, a second study from Harvard researchers, published in Dermatologic Surgery, demonstrated that there was in fact no difference between Mederma and Aquaphor (petrolatum-based, no onion bulb extract) when 24 patients used one or the other three times daily for eight weeks. In fact, in this side-by-side, randomized, double-blinded, split-scar study, there was no difference in cosmetic appearance, erythema, hypertrophy, or patient-assessed side-specific erythema, pruritus, burning, and pain.
What about patient testamonials?
Despite the research, a large number of patients attest to having better healing with Mederma than without use of the product. Although some of this may be due to a placebo effect, it is also possible that Mederma may demonstrate greater effects for some patients than with others (due to patient’s age, time after injury, type of scar, etc.) In addition, the number of independent (i.e., non-company-affiliated) studies regarding Mederma are limited. As with other over-the-counter treatments with variable research backing, it may be wise to try the product for a trial period and discontinue use if no improvements are made. As always, speak to your doctor.
Personal Use and Opinions
Despite the small amount of supportive research, I personally have tried and used Mederma for scars, and I like it.  I have used Mederma three times a day and Scar Away Silicone Pads (changing them twice per day) for six weeks on a raised scar on my knee, and noticed a difference.  (Not as remarkable as, say, with lasers, but a good ~30% improvement).  Still, talk to your dermatologist about whether or not Mederma is a good option for you.  Product Rating: 7/10 (High concentration of proven effective ingredients: 1/3.  Unique formulation or new technology: 3/3.  Value for the money: 2/3.  Sunscreen: 1/1).