Silicone has been used successfully in scar management for more than 27 years[1]
Clinical treatment options for both hypertrophic and keloid scars include surgery and scar-injected steroids, both of which can be very painful. The number of options available for consumers to purchase over the counter can at first be confusing.It is important to know that very few products have actually been clinically proven to make a difference to your scar. [2]
Silicone-based products are widely used in the management of hypertrophic scarring and keloids. Silicone gel sheeting has been used successfully for more than 27 years in scar management. [1]
A publication titled International Clinical Recommendations on Scar Management suggests the use of silicone as first-line therapy for the treatment and prevention of scarring. [2]
Which types of scars is Dermatix® most suitable for?
Dermatix® is used for the treatment and prevention of keloids and hypertrophic scars (such as those resulting from general surgical procedures, trauma wounds and burns), ideally used just after the wound has freshly healed and the skin surface becomes intact. It may also be used for prominent red immature scars that are actively healing; often up to two years post wound closure.
Post-surgical scars
Dermatix® is most effective if used in the early treatment of scars resulting from surgery, burns and other injuries (prevention phase). This includes scars from caesarean operations, breast surgery, cosmetic surgery, maxillofacial surgery and other surgical procedures.
Hypertrophic scars
Hypertrophic scars are usually raised, red and can be painful or itchy. They usually occur following burns and are found to be more common in the young and darker skinned people. They develop within weeks of the injury, do not spread outside of the injury area and may improve naturally over a period of a year or more. Using Dermatix® on a scar like this can ‘speed-up’ the scar’s improvement time. This results in a softer, flatter and a much lighter scar that is less noticeable and more acceptable to you. An early benefit is that the itchiness, tenderness and redness of the scar should improve within the first eight weeks of use.
Keloid scars
Keloid scars are an overgrowth of scar tissue and are usually thick, rounded and bulky on the skin. They often appear red or darker in colour compared with the surrounding skin. Keloid scars may not develop until months after the wound has healed and are difficult to treat. Dermatix® reduces the redness, the itching, the hardness, the elevation and the pain associated with keloid scars. Dermatix® is often combined with other treatments to manage these difficult to treat scars.
Options available for scar treatment/prevention
Non-Invasive
- Silicone gel sheeting, e.g. Dermatix®
- Pressure/compression therapy
- Topical steroids
- Counselling
- Polyurethane patches
Invasive
- Surgery
- Injected steroids
- Radiotherapy
- Cryotherapy
- Laser therapy
Other treatments (no medical evidence)
- Topical vitamin E cream (and other moisturisers)
- Plant extract creams
- Massage therapy
- No treatment
