Silicone therapy has a primary role in scar management. Silicones have proven to be suitable and effective treatment for many types of scars.
Silicone gel – Clinical efficacy in scar therapy
An observational study about the use of a liquid silicone gel (applied from a tube) to treat scars was conducted by 66 private practice dermatologists over a period of 20 months. The study included 1522 patients with hypertrophic scars, keloids, and other types of scars.
patients were included in this study
months was the average treatment period
% of the doctors rated the treatment as “good” or “very good”
% of dermatologists rated the tolerability of the silicone gel as “good” or “very good” throughout the whole treatment period
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A brief history in silicone in scar therapy Silicone gel sheeting has been used successfully in scar management for almost 30 years: it improves the signs and symptoms of existing scars, and prevents the development of abnormal scars. However, silicone gel sheets have several limitations in their use. It is not practical to use sheets on large areas, near joints, on the face or other areas where they cannot adhere well. The sheets are very visible and their handling is rather complicated. Frequent washing is necessary to prevent rashes and infections. Silicone gel sheets can be expensive because several sheets may be needed to fit one scar. |
The new generation of scar treatment In recent years, a new generation of silicone gels for the prevention and treatment of scars have emerged. They are just as effective as traditional silicone gel sheets but they are much easier to use. The innovative concept is their liquid and self-drying formulation. They can be applied in a very thin layer and form a self-drying, flexible, transparent and gas-permeable silicone gel sheet which is in constant contact with the skin (24/7). In several studies, patients and doctors were highly satisfied with silicone gel treatments. They praised the ease of use, treatment duration, cosmetic outcome and tolerability. Strataderm belongs to the family of the new generation of scar treatment and prevention silicone gels. It was developed with new technologies, to have a quick drying time and a superior durability. Strataderm adheres strongly to the skin which is why it only needs to be applied once daily. |
International scar recommendations The literature is extensive on the prevention and management of scarring using silicone. There are literally thousands of published articles of varying quality on scar management and even more products available worldwide including over the counter, over the internet, prescription based only and health professional delivered only based products that claim to help prevent and treat scarring. However, the evidence, until recent years, was not strong on the best treatments for scarring. In 2014, an International Advisory Panel on Scar Management published clinical recommendations on scar management, based on a qualitative overview of 300 published references and expert consensus on best practices. Silicone Gel Sheeting (SGS) was recommended as first line therapy for prevention of scarring and first line treatment for the initial management of scarring, in addition to the recommended management modality with adjunct therapies for secondary management. These clinical recommendations to date have not been superseded. |
The new generation of scar treatment In recent years, a new generation of silicone gels for the prevention and treatment of scars have emerged. They are just as effective as traditional silicone geel sheets but they are much easier to use. The innovative concept is their liquid and self-drying formulation. They can be applied in a very thin layer and form a self-drying, flexible, transparent and gas-permeable silicone gel sheet which is in constant contact with the skin (24/7). In several studies, patients and doctors were highly satisfied with silicone gel treatments. They praised the ease of use, treatment duration, cosmetic outcome and tolerability. Strataderm belongs to the family of the new generation of scar treatment and prevention silicone gels. It was developed with new technologies, to have a quick drying time and a superior durability. Strataderm adheres strongly to the skin which is why it only needs to be applied once daily. |
