Silicone gel – recommended by leading specialists worldwide1
The number of options available for consumers to purchase over the counter can at
first appear confusing. It is important to note that very few products (for scar
management) sold over the counter have actually been clinically proven to make a
difference to scars.1
Clinical treatment options for both hypertrophic and keloid scars include surgery
and scar-injected steroids, both of which can be very painful.1
Silicone gel dramatically improves scars, and is recommended by leading specialists
worldwide.1
Silicone gel sheeting has been a widely used clinical management option for hypertrophic
scars and keloids since the early 1980s. There is now good evidence of its efficacy,
and silicone gel sheeting has now become standard care for plastic surgeons.1
According to the 2002 International Clinical Recommendations on Scar Management,
silicone gel should be the first line of treatment in the initial
management of all scars and particularly in the prevention of keloids
and hypertrophic scars.1
Options available for scar treatment and prevention1,2
|
Surgery |
Silicone Gel (e.g. Kelo-cote®)
|
|
Injected steroids |
Pressure/compression therapy |
|
Radiotherapy |
Topical steroids |
|
Cryotherapy |
Counseling |
|
Laser therapy |
Polyurethane patches |
|
Other treatments (no medical evidence) |
|
Topical vitamin E cream (and other moisturisers) |
|
Massage therapy |
|
Plant extract creams |