What are the Benefits of Scar Care Dressings?
Scar care dressings are intended to treat existing hypertrophic or keloid scars and prevent the formation of new ones [1] [3]. Additionally, it can be used on closed wounds as a prophylactic therapy to prevent hypertrophic or keloid scarring from occurring [3]. Some other characteristic features of scar care dressings include;
- They are self-adherent: Scar care dressings have significant adhesive properties. They dont require external fixation with tapes or glues. Scar care dressings are incorporated with glue, which is mild on the skin, making it easy to take off during dressing changes without losing its adhesive ability. In addition, patients experience reduced trauma and discomfort due to using them compared to conventional adherent wound dressings.
- It is durable: Typically, scar care dressings are designed to be used for several days. These dressings are sturdy and can be removed and re-applied. Furthermore, these dressings are thin, adaptable, and covert, allowing you to wear them without drawing attention to yourself during your regular activities.
Indications for Scar Care Dressings
Scar dressings are used for the following conditions. They include;
- Treatment of keloids and hypertrophic scars [1] [2]
- Prevention of new keloid or hypertrophic scar formation [3]
- Burns
- Prophylactic use on closed wounds
How to Use Scar Care Dressings?
It is easy to apply a scar care dressing. You shouldn't experience any issues if you adhere to the manufacturer's guidelines. You can use these dressings on your wounds by carefully following these directions.
- Clean your hands and wear latex gloves
- Use a disinfectant or saline solution to clean the wound and the surrounding skin.
- Take off the protective film first. If necessary, trim to the desired shape and size.
- Apply the scar care dressing to your skin. Make sure your skin isn't oily or wet before applying the dressing.
- Make sure you clean the scar or wound daily; you can take off and re-apply the dressing during the scheduled daily wound cleaning.
Precaution
If you notice skin erosion or rash around the dressing or scar, take off the dressing and see your wound care specialist as soon as possible.
Conclusion
Scar care dressings are an effective treatment option for keloids and hypertrophic scars.
References
- Li-Tsang, C. W. P., Lau, J. C. M., Choi, J., Chan, C. C. C., & Jianan, L. (2006). A prospective randomized clinical trial to investigate the effect of silicone gel sheeting (Cica-Care) on post-traumatic hypertrophic scar among the Chinese population. Burns: Journal of the International Society for Burn Injuries, 32(6), 678–683. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.burns.2006.01.016
- Li-Tsang, Cecilia Wai Ping, Zheng, Y. P., & Lau, J. C. M. (2010). A randomized clinical trial to study the effect of silicone gel dressing and pressure therapy on posttraumatic hypertrophic scars. Journal of Burn Care & Research: Official Publication of the American Burn Association, 31(3), 448–457. https://doi.org/10.1097/BCR.0b013e3181db52a7
- Sakuraba, M., Takahashi, N., Akahoshi, T., Miyasaka, Y., & Suzuki, K. (2011). Use of silicone gel sheets for prevention of keloid scars after median sternotomy. Surgery Today, 41(4), 496–499. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00595-010-4265-5