Silicone Scar Tape: What Is It and Does It Work?

Silicone Scar Tape – What is it?

Scars are marks on the skin that are left behind after a deep injury or surgical procedure. They are often prominent and differ in their tone from the rest of the skin. Most individuals feel physical discomfort due to the appearance of the scar and feel less confident in social and professional settings. There are various surgical incision techniques and treatments that work to minimize the appearance of the forming scar, silicone scar tape is one such innovation by the medical professionals.

Silicone scar tape is an adhesive and flexible bandage that is made from medical-grade silicone. It is used to apply on a deep wound or surgical incision to improve the appearance of the forming scar as the wound heals. It comes in various sizes and shapes to be adjusted on the different types of scars such as hypertrophic scars, keloids and scars from linear surgical incisions. In this article, we will explore silicone scar tape, understand how it works, benefits, drawbacks and the science behind its use.

How does Silicone Scar Tape Work?

The use and effectiveness of silicone in the treatment of scars was discovered accidentally in the 1980s. It was observed that burn patients who were given silicone gel sheets for topical application on their wounds had softer and flatter scars as compared to those who received other topical treatments previously. From then onwards, silicone has been popularly utilized in the management of various types of scars. Enlisted below are some of the mechanisms and ways in which silicone scar tape works on an open wound.

1. Moisture and Hydration

Silicone soothes the open wound by creating a barrier and retains the moisture in this zone. It prevents the excessive loss of water as hydration is crucial in keeping the skin soft and supple. It reduces the formation of excessive collagen during healing that often leads to raised scars.

2. Adequate Pressure

Silicone scar tape is an adhesive bandage that applies gentle pressure to flatten the scar. This pressure also reduces the sense of itching or discomfort that often occurs with a scar.

3. Protected Surroundings

An open wound or incision is predisposed to all sorts of traumas and bacterial invasions. A silicone scar tape ensures rapid and smooth healing within a closed space by creating protected surroundings to prevent trauma or infections. Physical trauma or bacterial infection often exacerbates the wound and interferes with scar formation, giving rise to an irregularly raised scar due to excessive collagen deposition in it.

4. Regulated Temperature

Silicone scar tape maintains the optimal temperature within the closed space of wound healing and scar formation. It also enhances the activity of various physiological enzymes that are involved in modification and remodelling of the collagen deposition in the scar.

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What are the different Types of Scars that can be treated with Silicone Scar Tape?

Silicone scar tape is an effective element for various types of scars that differ on the basis of distinct characteristics, as enlisted below.

1. Keloid

Keloids are large scars that often extend beyond the prior or original boundaries. Keloid scars are difficult to treat and prefers to stay for a long time. Silicone scar tapes have been proven effective in reduction of redness and size of a keloid scar.

2. Hypertrophic Scar

Hypertrophic scars are red and raised scars that remain confined within the boundaries of the prior or original wounds that may be due to a surgical incision, burn or a traumatic injury.

Silicone scar tapes help with reducing the redness and flattening the hypertrophic scar over time.

3. Incisional Scar

Incisional scars, also known as surgical scars, are made with certain techniques that prevents the formation of raised scars. Silicone scar tapes can be used for all kinds of incisional scars. However, certain emergency situations in which surgical incisions are taken without the care of post-surgery cosmetic appearance and the aim is to save a life, the scars formed later are often raised and prominent. Once the emergency is subsided, it is essential that such scars must be bandaged with silicone scar tape that softens and flattens the scar formation and prevents raised or irregular scars.

4. Acne Scars

The use of silicone scar tape is typically for raised scars. However, acne scars can also be reduced in size and redness with the help of silicone scar tapes.

What are the Advantages of Applying Silicone Scar Tape over Scars?

Enlisted below are some of the advantages of silicone scar tape over other treatment options for scar management.

1. Ease of Use

Silicone is easy to apply and can be worn under clothing. It is a convenient option for regular use.

2. Non-invasive

Large and irregular scars often undergo treatments to fade them such as surgical scar revision or laser therapy that are often invasive. Silicone scar tape, on the other hand, is non-invasive that does not require an extensive therapy for effectiveness nor a downtime.

3. Cost-Effective

Silicone scar tape is affordable than the other treatment options for scar management. It can be easily applied on the scars and at home without the need for supervision by a medical professional.

4. Minimal Side Effects

Silicone scar tape is easily tolerable and does not cause side effects. It does not lead to skin irritation or allergic reaction even when applied for a long time, makes it suitable for individuals seeking long-term use of the bandage.

What are some of the ways in which Silicone Scar Tape can be used Effectively?

It is essential to follow the guidelines enlisted below to get the maximum benefits and notice the effectiveness of silicone scar tape.

1. Clean The Skin

Clean the scarred skin with gentle soap and water. Tap the skin with a dry towel or tissue paper. The scarred skin must be cleaned to avoid chances of infections or irritations in the skin while being covered by silicone scar tape for an entire day.

2. Pick Appropriate Size

Cut to pick the appropriate size from the silicone scar tape. The size of the tape must cover the scarred surface of the skin along with some overlap onto the surrounding areas to create a protective seal around the scarred zone.

3. Application

Apply the tape in a smooth fashion over the scar while making sure there is no air trapping or wrinkling of the tape while application. The contact of the silicone tape with the scarred must be consistent.

4. Consistent Wear

Keep the silicone tape in touch with the scarred skin for at least 12-24 hours per day. It can be removed in between for showering or ablution purposes and can be reapplied after drying the skin properly.

5. Regular Replacement

Read and understand the recommendations by the manufacturers on the packing of silicone scar tape, follow these instructions regarding replacement of the tape. Typically, the tape must be replaced after a few days or when it loses its stickiness and adhesion to the skin.

6. Monitoring of the Scar

Keep monitoring the scar and look for signs of improvement while changing each tape. It is essential for adjustments in the treatment of scar management along with observing the response of the scarred skin to the silicone tape. Silicone scar tape must be used consistently for at least 8 to 12 weeks with patience before significant results can be obtained. For severe scars, the length of treatment with silicone scar tape may extend beyond the 12 weeks’ time.

People Also Ask

Are there any drawbacks of using silicone scar tape for scar management?

It is generally safe to use silicone scar tape when intended for scar management. However, there are certain limitations to the use of silicone scar tape as enlisted below.

• Silicone scar tape must be used consistently to get the benefits. The treatment duration extends beyond weeks to months that require discipline, adherence to treatment and patience.
• The effectiveness of silicone scar tape is not the same for everyone. It varies based on factors such as age, type and severity of the scar.
• Silicone scar tape requires proper application and maintenance as it often wears out by losing its adhesion way earlier than its recommended limit.
• Some individuals may experience mild itching or allergic reaction with the use of silicone scar tape on their open wound. Individuals experiencing such symptoms must discontinue its use and consult a healthcare professional to switch to other options of scar management.

Is there any alternative treatment option for scar management other than silicone scar tape?

Yes, there are many alternative treatment options for scar management other than silicone scar tape. These include silicone gel, laser therapy, pressure garments, surgical revision of the scar and steroid injections. It is advised to consult a healthcare expert that would tailor a scar management plan that fits your health needs and goals.

Conclusion

Scars are often prominent and differ in their tone from the rest of the skin. Most individuals feel physical discomfort due to the appearance of the scar and feel less confident in social and professional settings. Silicone scar tape is an adhesive and flexible bandage that is made from medical-grade silicone. It is used to apply on a deep wound or surgical incision to improve the appearance of the forming scar as the wound heals. This tape can be used to treat various types of scars such as hypertrophic scar, keloids, acne scars and scars from surgical incisions.

Silicone scar tape prevents the excessive loss of water as hydration is crucial in keeping the skin soft and supple. It reduces the formation of excessive collagen during healing that often leads to raised scars by applying consistent gentle pressure. The firm property of the tape protects the scarred skin from trauma or bacterial infections that are crucial for the treatment to work.

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