Advances in Scar Care: Treating Hypertrophic Scars and Keloids

Topical silicone gel sheets can help reduce the thickness, the height, the size and the color of hypertrophic scars and keloids.

(PRWEB) February 4, 2006 -- Hypertrophic scars are elevated scars that do not extend beyond the boundary of the traumatic or surgical wound. Keloid scars are those scars that extend beyond the original injury and invade normal skin areas. Both hypertrophic scars and keloids have increased color and thickness that pose the risk of more permanent disfigurement or functional disability.

Traditionally, hypertrophic scars and keloids have been treated with compression, steroid injections or surgical excision of the scar. Compression is being used more often for small post surgical scars. Silicone sheets are used to apply smooth compression to both the scar and adjacent skin. Over time, the scar flattens and becomes level with the adjacent skin.

Dr. Jeffrey Oster is a foot and ankle surgeon who uses silicone sheeting as a means of reducing scar formation. “Regardless of how delicately you treat skin, some cases are simply prone to hypertrophic scar formation” Oster said. “Use of silicone sheeting is a painless alternative to traditional scar management”.

Topical silicone gel sheets can help reduce the thickness, the height, the size and the color of scars. They can also smooth and soften the scar by blending it with surrounding healthy skin. Typically, these products use a silicone gel pad that adheres to the scar area, applying continued moisture and antioxidants. These scar treatments can lessen redness surrounding the scar, maintain the skin’s moisture balance and elasticity, and reduce the discomfort of itching that occurs along the scar lines. Silicone gel sheets are effective on fresh and old scars, however, for fresh scars, scar reduction products should only be applied after wounds have fully closed. Silicone gel sheets are easy to use at home and require no prescription.

Information regarding scar treatment can be found on-line at Myfootshop.com. Myfootshop.com is an educational resource for common foot and ankle problems. A discussion forum is also available and staffed by a board certified podiatrist to answer foot and ankle questions, including scar reduction care.

For more information regarding silicone gel sheets for scar reduction therapy, contact Myfootshop.com on-line or call toll free at 1-888-859-8901.

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