Scars can be an unpleasant, sometimes painful reminder of an unfortunate encounter, but there are things that you can do to reduce the effects.
This article is sponsored by Kelo-Cote
What is a scar?
Scars are marks left on the skin after a wound or injury has healed and occur as a natural part of the healing process. They can vary in size, type and severity and can also often be painful, sore and itchy. Whilst most will fade naturally over time, they usually never completely disappear.
Scars can also affect us emotionally, acting as a constant and visible reminder of unfortunate accidents, traumas or events that we would rather forget about. Healing a scar visibly can also help heal any emotional scars that might be triggered by the sight of that scar, either on ourselves or on the skin of our nearest and dearest.
How scars occur
Scars are the result of an over-reaction from your body’s defence system when you experience a break in the skin. When such break or injury occurs, your body is signalled to come and repair it, which it does by producing blood clots at the site of injury and sending special cells called ‘fibroblasts’ to the site, also these fibroblasts produce collagen and bind the skin back together to repair the injury, however, sometimes the healing skin forms excessive unorganised collagen ‘bundles’ that push upwards and form a hard, raised, reddened and possibly painful, scar.
Combating scarring
There are different methods to combat scarring of all types and your GP is best placed to advise you on the best course of action in each particular case. However, it’s also worth considering that in addition to doctor-prescribed methods, there are also over-the-counter gels and ointments that can help reduce the effects of scarring. Help reduce the effects of scarring, as well as Kelo-Cote Scar Treatment Spray. Silicone gel formulations are one of the approaches that can work really well, and their efficacy has been proven through various medical studies.*
How silicone gel can help heal scars
Silicone-based topical gel treatments are simple and fuss-free to use and can deliver a noticeable reduction in the visible signs of scarring as well as some of the painful side effects. Using silicone gel formulations such as Kelo-cote Scar Treatment Gel to treat scars is not a new concept. Silicone has been used by healthcare professionals for over 30 years where, applied topically, it can help soften, flatten, and fade raised scars, and is often favoured because the patient is able to easily and conveniently administer the treatment themselves and monitor progress as required.
Silicone helps heal scars by increasing the hydration of the top layer of skin and regulating collagen production. It creates a flexible, breathable layer that protects the scar from bacterial invasion and makes an effective, optimal environment for scar healing.
In a study, published by the Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery*, researchers discovered that after six months’ application, the use of topical silicone gel produced an 86% reduction in texture, an 84% reduction in the colour, and a 68% reduction in the height of the scars tested.
The need for patience
Users of silicone gels to reduce scarring must be prepared to be patient, as visible results will take weeks, months and possibly even years to take full effect. Even then, it's unlikely that any scar will disappear completely.
Care when using silicone gel
It's important that before you use any silicone gel products, you read the usage instructions carefully as different types of scarring will have different recommendations and products may have different silicone formulations. Kelo-Cote can be used to treat and reduce the appearance of both hypertrophic (thick, wide often raised) and keloid (raised) scars.
Scars treatable with silicone gel
Common types of scarring that can be treated effectively by silicone gel include:
• Caesarean section scars
• Surgical scars after operations
• Scarring from cuts and burns
• Cosmetic surgery scars
• Children’s scars
This versatility, together with effectiveness, ease and convenience of use, means silicone is a popular go-to treatment for most types of scarring.
