The use of silicon gel for treating children's burn scars in Saudi Arabia: a case study

This case study is presented to illustrate the effectiveness of silicon gel as an important option in burn scar treatment and to provide treatment guidelines that address cultural, clinical and patient compliance issues in Saudi Arabia. The case study involves an 18-month-old child whose burn scar was treated for a period of 15 months with silicon gel. The Vancouver Burn Scar Scale assessment (Baryza and Baryza, 1995), used to track progress across the duration of treatment, reflected an improvement in the scar as the composite score changed from 9 to 2. Strategies for problem solving and addressing needs unique to the environment of Saudi Arabia were also developed over the treatment period. The findings of this case study indicate that silicon gel may be a superior treatment option under certain circumstances. Further research with a wider sample is indicated, given the high incidence of childhood burn injuries in Saudi Arabia.