When burns heal, they usually leave behind an area of red, raised skin called a hypertrophic scar. Doctors often recommend silicone gels to prevent scarring and reduce the appearance of old scars. A 2001 study by Dr. M.A. Kuhn and colleagues from the Institute for Tissue Regeneration supports the use of silicone for this purpose. The research found that direct silicone contact inhibited the activity of fibrogenic cytokines, which are bodily chemicals that promote the formation of scar tissue. Over-the-counter silicone gel sheets and silicone-based ointments are widely available at pharmacies.
Step 1
Wash the scarred area. If excessive body hair is present around the scar, you may want to shave it to make sure the gel sheet or ointment comes in direct contact with the scar tissue.
Step 2
Apply an adhesive gel sheet or a generous layer of ointment directly to the scar tissue. Use a gel sheet or ointment specifically formulated for burn scars.
Step 3
Leave the gel sheet or ointment on for at least 12 hours a day, longer if possible. Continue the treatment daily for at least two months.
Tips and Warnings
- In a study of silicone-based treatment of scar tissue by Dr. B.E. Katz, published in the journal "Cutis," the treatment improved the appearance of only 56 percent of scars. That leaves a reasonable chance that your scars will not improve.
Things You'll Need
- Silicone gel sheet
- Silicone-based scar ointment
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