When the skin on your legs is cut, fibroblasts, a type of cell, produce collagen, a protein that fills and closes the wounds. Collagen is found in healthy skin, but in scar tissue collagen fibers are arranged in a random pattern and tend to leave a tough, discolored area of skin that changes over time. Scars can appear unattractive and disfiguring and will never completely go away. However, studies show that silicone gel sheeting is an effective treatment for scars. Contact your dermatologist prior to using silicone gel sheets.
Step 1
Precut two or three lengths of medical tape if the silicone gel sheet is not self-adhesive. Clean the scar with mild soap and water using the facecloth. Dry the area completely with your towel.
Step 2
Remove silicone gel sheeting from package being careful to not touch the area that will be against your scar. Place silicone gel sheet over your scar and press firmly to adhere the sheet to your skin if the sheet is self-adhesive.
Step 3
Place gauze square over silicone gel sheet if the sheet is not self-adhesive. Hold gauze over silicone gel sheet, ensuring gauze completely covers the sheet. Securely tape in place. You may need more than one gauze square.
Step 4
Wear the silicone gel sheet as directed by the instructions on the package, or as instructed by your dermatologist. Use the silicone gel sheets for the duration you are instructed.
Tips and Warnings
- Using silicone gel sheeting on new scars will show faster improvement than on older scars. Maintaining good hygiene at the scar site and gradually increasing the time of usage will help avoid skin irritation.
- Avoid using silicone sheeting on areas that have open wounds or that have not healed.
Things You'll Need
- Mild soap
- Warm water
- Clean, soft face cloth
- Clean, soft towel
- Silicone gel sheeting
- Medical tape
- Scissors
- Gauze squares
References
- Columbia University: Go Ask Alice: Embarrassing Scars --- How Can I Get Rid of Them?
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons: Scar Revision
- "Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery"; Silicone Gel for Hypertrophic Scars; Viroj Wiwanitkit; May-August 2010
- PediatricEducation.org: Does Silicone Gel Sheeting Work?
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