A COMPARISON OF SIL-K AND EPIDERM IN SCAR MANAGEMENT

Twenty-six patients with a total of 45 scars were studied to determine the efficacy of the new silicone sheet, Sil-K, in treating hypertroph ic scars. Twenty-eight scars were treated with Sil-K and 17 scars were treated with the conventional gel, Epiderm. Evaluation based on the s car's colour, texture, thickness and regularity teas done on a monthly interval for 6 months. Preliminary results suggest that both Sil-K an d Epiderm are effective in treating hypertrophic scars. All of the fou r parameters studied showed improvement, with colour, texture and regu larity showing higher percentage of improvement than thickness (90, 90 , 80 and 50 per cent respectively). Complications such as rashes, prui tus, maceration and dry skin were reported by some subjects. Epiderm a nd Sil-K were also compared across factors such as cost, durability, c onformity and hygiene to assist therapists in choosing the suitable si licone sheet for each individual patient. Copyright (C) 1996 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd for ISBI.