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.