Silicone scar tape, also known as silicone gel sheeting and silicone scar sheets, is a medical-grade adhesive that can minimize the appearance of scars.
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How Does Silicone Scar Tape Work?
Silicone scar tape is a thin, flexible, self-adhesive tape with a layer of silicone that is applied to skin after it has healed from an injury, like a cut.
Injured skin takes approximately two weeks to heal. When the skin has healed and regrown, the new top layer of skin allows a lot of water to escape the skin. This lack of hydration causes excess collagen to form at the site, creating unwanted characteristics that can accompany scarring.
Another way silicone scar tape works is by transferring the wound edge tension to the tape. This may reduce the abnormal and keloid scarring. The scar tape also works by:
- Applying pressure to the skin
- Keeping the wound clean
- Raising the temperature of the wound site
- Decreases blood flow to the immediate wound site
Steps for Using Silicone Scar Tape
- Do not apply silicone scar tape to open wounds or infected areas.
- When the wound has closed, cut your tape to size and apply it to cover the scar site.
- Wear the silicone scar tape daily for best results.
- Change the scar tape every day, ideally after bathing.
Scars change appearance during the first year of their development. As such, the tape may take months to reduce the scar's color, texture, and overall appearance.
Silicone Scar Tape for Wrinkles
Silicone tape and patches have come onto the market as a way to reduce wrinkles. Though these products claim to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, no existing research backs this up. These tapes and patches likely affect wrinkles by trapping moisture, which hydrates the skin. This may temporarily help the appearance of skin but will not have a long-term effect on wrinkles.
Precautions and Side Effects
Silicone scar tape is generally well tolerated. However, some people may experience side effects from the product.
Certain people may develop skin irritation, redness, or itching. They should avoid using the scar tape and discuss other options with their healthcare provider.
Another issue with silicone scar tape is patient compliance. Some people may find it difficult to wear it every day for several weeks to months. There may also be an aversion to wearing it on visible areas like the face.
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Differences in Silicone Gel vs. Tape
Silicone gel and tape are two similar products that offer many of the same benefits. They both treat scars by minimizing their:
- Size
- Hardness
- Swelling
- Redness
- Itch
The primary difference between the two products is how they are supplied and applied. Silicone scar tape is supplied as an adhesive tape. It can be cut to size and then stuck onto the scar. Silicone gel is an ointment that is applied to the scar.
Silicone gel may be a better solution for areas of the body where the tape cannot stick. People who do not want the appearance of the tape on their skin may prefer it.
Silicone scar tape might be a better solution for people who do not want to worry about the gel rubbing off or have a larger area that they need to cover.
When to See a Healthcare Provider
Scars can change and vary in appearance. As such, there is no perfect treatment. Some people are more prone to abnormal scarring, such as keloid and hypertrophic scars. Anytime a scar does not heal as expected or you have questions, it's time to contact a healthcare provider.
There are several types of scar treatments beyond silicone. Many of the treatments, like injections and lasers, need a provider to perform them. Contact a healthcare provider if you would like to explore additional treatment for a scar to reduce its appearance, if it is not healing properly, or if you have questions.
