J E Fulton1. 1. Institute for Skin Research, Newport Beach, California 92660, USA.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Hypertrophic scars and keloids remain a problem for surgeons. Topical and intralesional corticosteroids, positive pressure dressings, cryotherapy, and laser therapy are helpful but not uniformly successful. OBJECTIVE: To document the effectiveness of silicone gel sheeting in the prevention and/or reduction of evolving hypertrophic scars and keloids. METHODS: Silicone gel sheeting was placed over evolving scars in 20 cases. The dressing was worn for at least 12 hours a day. Biopsies were examined for the presence of silica in the tissue. RESULTS: Lesions improved during the treatment period in 85% of the cases. The mechanisms of action are unknown. Positive pressure was not necessary. No silica from the dressing was found at the wound site. CONCLUSION: Daily treatments with silicone gel sheeting should begin as soon as an itchy red streak develops in a maturing wound. The dressing is effective in reducing the bulk of these lesions.
BACKGROUND:Hypertrophic scars and keloids remain a problem for surgeons. Topical and intralesional corticosteroids, positive pressure dressings, cryotherapy, and laser therapy are helpful but not uniformly successful. OBJECTIVE: To document the effectiveness of silicone gel sheeting in the prevention and/or reduction of evolving hypertrophic scars and keloids. METHODS:Silicone gel sheeting was placed over evolving scars in 20 cases. The dressing was worn for at least 12 hours a day. Biopsies were examined for the presence of silica in the tissue. RESULTS: Lesions improved during the treatment period in 85% of the cases. The mechanisms of action are unknown. Positive pressure was not necessary. No silica from the dressing was found at the wound site. CONCLUSION: Daily treatments with silicone gel sheeting should begin as soon as an itchy red streak develops in a maturing wound. The dressing is effective in reducing the bulk of these lesions.
Authors: Leandra A Barnes; Clement D Marshall; Tripp Leavitt; Michael S Hu; Alessandra L Moore; Jennifer G Gonzalez; Michael T Longaker; Geoffrey C Gurtner Journal: Adv Wound Care (New Rochelle) Date: 2018-02-01 Impact factor: 4.730