Silicone for scars

This leaflet provides information about using silicone on scars.

If you have any further questions, please speak to your therapist.

Why is silicone used for scars?

Silicone can work well combined with treatments such as pressure, scar massage and other therapeutic methods in reducing the appearance of scars.

Silicone may hydrate the scar tissue and reduce the production of collagen fibres which make up scar tissue.

It also may reduce redness and make the scar flatter, softer and paler.

How do I use the silicone?

Your therapist will give you instructions for how to use the silicone.

There are many forms of silicone, from a gel to a type of dressing. Most silicone products are reusable and should not be thrown away.

So as to help it to work fully you may be advised to wear the silicone as much as possible during a 24 hour period,. You will be given the first silicone product and after this you may need to buy your own. Your therapist will advise you where you can purchase the appropriate silicone yourself.

Silicone should only be applied to clean, dry skin and not on open or weeping wounds.

Types of silicone and how to use

Your therapist will tick the box next to the type of silicone which is advised for you

• Topical Gel:
  • Apply a thin layer of topical gel and massage this into the skin.
  • The gel dries in three - five minutes making a waterproof barrier which lasts for six to eight hours.
  • You may put on other creams, such as sun cream or make-up over the area once the gel has dried.
  • Apply morning and evening
• Silicone dressing- e.g. Mepiform:
  • Cut the dressing to the size you need, peel off the backing and apply directly to clean, dry skin free from any residue from moisturiser/ointment.
  • Mepiform is reusable and should last about a week.
  • The dressing is waterproof and does not need to be removed for bathing.
  • This dressing can be worn continuously for three to seven days.
  • The dressing should last a week.
• Silicone gel sheeting- e.g. Cica care:
  • The gel sheeting is reusable and should only be used on clean, dry, healed skin.
  • Cut the sheet to the size you need- this should include 1cm extra around the edges of the scar (you may find it helpful to create a template prior to cutting out the gel to confirm the size).
  • Remove the plastic backing from the gel sheet and put the sticky side over the scar.
  • The sheet should be held in place with a pressure garment, Tubigrip or surgical tape.
  • The gel sheet should be washed with warm soapy water after taking it off. Pat the sheet dry with a clean towel and wrap it in cling film if not replacing it straightaway.
  • The silicone is still working even if the sheet no longer sticks to the skin.
  • If looked after well it should last 4-6 weeks
• Otoform
  • The otoform will be moulded over the scar by your therapist.
  • Secure in place with tape, splint, bandage or pressure garment
  • When you take the Otoform mould off, you should wash your scar and wash the Otoform mould with a mild soapy solution.
  • Dry the Otoform mould with a tissue.
  • Keep your Otoform mould in a plastic bag/ air tight container when not in use.
  • Do not bend the putty as it will break.
  • If looked after well it should last 4-6 weeks.
• Silipose digital sleeve:
  • This product may be cut to desired length (elastic will not unravel).
  • Slip the sleeve over the finger
  • It is reusable and should be washed with warm soapy water.
  • Pat the sleeve dry with a clean towel or allow to air dry.
  • If looked after well it should last 4-6 weeks

How long should I wear the silicone for?

Your therapist will give you detailed instructions on how long to wear your silicone.

Generally it will either be:

□ All the time

□ At night only

□ Most of the time: remove daily for: ______ hours.

Most of the products are reusable and will continue to work for six to eight weeks.

You may need to carry on using silicone for several months, depending on how quickly your scars respond to the treatment. Your therapist will continue to assess you and give advice.

Is there anything I need to look out for?

People sometimes have a reaction to silicone products. If you notice any redness, remove the silicone and wash the area with cold water.

Do not put the silicone back on and let your therapist know as soon as possible.

Please contact your therapist if you have any reactions to or questions about usingthe silicone.

Contacts/further information

The Occupational therapy department is located in clinic 30 in the Addenbrooke’s Treatment Centre (ATC). The Occupational therapy reception telephone number is 01223 216769

MyChart

We would encourage you to sign up for MyChart. This is the electronic patient portal at Cambridge University Hospitals that enables patients to securely access parts of their health record held within the hospital’s electronic patient record system (Epic). It is available via your home computer or mobile device

More information is available on the MyChart section on our website.