Silicon gel sheeting for preventing the development of hypertrophic and keloid scars and for treating existing scars.

Hypertrophic and keloid scars are types of abnormal and pronounced scarring that can cause psychological and functional problems for people and can be difficult to treat. Hypertrophic scarring is more common in fair skin and tends to follow surgery and burn injuries, whereas keloid scarring is more common in darker skin and occurs after trivial injuries such as insect bites, ear piercing and vaccination. Scars occurring on some sites of the body, such as the lower face, neck and upper arms are more likely to develop abnormally. Silicon gel sheeting is a soft, self-adhesive sheeting designed to be used on intact skin for preventing and treating both new and old hypertrophic and keloid scars. The review considered evidence on whether silicon gel sheeting prevents the development of hypertrophic or keloid scarring in people with newly healed wounds, and whether it is effective in treating established scars. Trials were identified that looked at prevention and treatment strategies. Most studies were of poor quality and It is unclear whether silicon gel sheeting helps prevent scarring or is effective in treating existing hypertrophic and keloid scars.