The Efficacy of Topical Silicone Gel Elastomers in the Treatment of Hypertrophic Scars, Keloid Scars, and Post–Laser Exfoliation Erythema

Abstract

Dermatix is a Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-registered substantial equivalent to silicone gel sheeting for the prevention and management of hypertrophic scars and keloids. A 90-day prospective study evaluated the efficacy of Dermatix, silicone gel sheeting, and a combination of these treatments in improving scars for 30 patients. Each patient had a bilateral scar that served as an untreated control. The outcome measures included profilometry analysis of scar topography before and after punch biopsies of the control and treated scars, symptoms associated with the scars, and patient evaluations of the ease of treatment. The results showed better resolution and improvement of scars with Dermatix treatment or the combined use of Dermatix and silicone gel sheeting than with silicone gel sheeting alone. Wound erythema was reduced, and collagen architectural reorientation was demonstrated histologically. Patients rated Dermatix as easier to use than silicone gel sheeting. Both Dermatix and silicone gel sheeting reduced symptoms of itching, irritation, and skin maceration. The results of this study indicate that Dermatix is a useful treatment for the management of abnormal scarring.