The application of physical pressure by compression devices is recommended in the therapy for keloid scars. Pressure may theoretically break up collagen bundles and soften the keloid mass; however, therapy must be instituted for long periods (>23 h/d for 6 mo) before substantial effect can be achieved. Unfortunately, several regions of the head and neck are not amenable to pressure application. Silicone sheeting is used to minimize the distress and pruritus linked with keloids (commonly misspelled as kiloids). The proposed mechanism of action involves the maintenance of scar hydration and inducement of a subsequent decrease in cytokine release, resulting in less collagen accumulation. Certain researchers report great advancement in keloid regression with this modality. Unfortunately, the general opinion on silicone sheeting doesn’t support significant reduction in the dimensions or pigment characteristics of keloids, although silicone sheeting can be highly efficient in reducing pruritus.
Several treatments, including antihistamines, vitamin A, retinoic acids, nitrogen mustard, tetroquinone, vitamin E, zinc, and verapamil, have been tried with varying degrees of success.
Silicone occulsive sheeting vs silicone cushion for the treatment of hypertrophic and keloid scars. A prospective-randomized study is an article written by a group of Italian scientists that states the following:
BACKGROUND: Silicone gel and silicone occlusive sheeting are extensively used at present for the treatment of keloid and hypertrophic scarring. In recent studies the possibility was raised that static electricity generated by friction activated silicone sheeting could be the reason for this benefit, and that it could, with time, produce regression of hypertrophic and keloid scarring.
The objective of this research was to evaluate this possibility and to observe weather a continuous and increased negatively charged static electric field would shorten the treatment period. A silicone cushion was created with the purpose of increasing a negative static-electric charge to accelerate the regression process.
METHODS: From November 2001 to June 2002 we followed in a prospective randomized study, 72 patients with hypertrophic and keloid scars. The trial extended over an 8-month period. Thirty-seven patients underwent silicone occlusive sheeting, the remaining 35 patients underwent silicone cushion (Clinicel).
RESULTS: Treatment with the silicone cushions yielded 74.2 percent alleviation of itching and burning followed by pallor and flattening of the scar, some noticeably so. This was registered anywhere from a couple of weeks to a five month time period. Additional 25.7 percent had their scars resolved in up to 8 months of treatment. Four patients (11.4 percent) who had recalcitrant scars with marginal reaction to the use of the silicone cushion were given intralesional corticosteroid injections, in addition to the application of the cushion, resulting in a fairly rayed alleviation of these scars over a period of two months. Treatment with the silicone occlusive sheeting yielded 52.3 percent itching and burning alleviation followed by pallor and flattening of the scar, some noticeably so, over a few weeks to five months period. Additional 22.1 percent had their scars resolved in up to 8 months of treatment.
By comparing the observations of this test using silicone cushions for the treatment of hypertrophic and keloid scarring with those obtained using silicone gel or occlusive sheeting, a much faster response was demonstrated. This course may be heightened when the treatment is followed with a natural skin care treatment that aids cellular regeneration.
Hypertrophic and keloid scars can now be alleviated thanks to a skin care product made with natural components that ensure the recovery of your old healthy skin.
- Angelique Jodein