Pressure garments in the prevention and treatment of keloids

Hypertrophic scarring and keloids are frequent sequelae following trauma. Continuous and controlled pressure through the use of pressure garments can yield a high degree of non-surgical control of both hypertrophic scar formation and scar contracture resulting in soft, pliable scars with relief from itch and pain. This paper is a study of 280 patients, carried out in the Department of Plastic Surgery, Singapore General Hospital, over a period of 3 years. Not only are the results highly encouraging but the garments themselves are readily and simply constructed from locally available materials, using basic sewing skills.