A comparison of Sil-K and Epiderm in scar management

Twenty-six patients with a total of 45 scars were studied to determine the efficacy of the new silicone sheet, Sil-K, in treating hypertrophic scars. Twenty-eight scars were treated with Sil-K and 17 scars were treated with the conventional gel, Epiderm. Evaluation based on the scar's colour, texture, thickness and regularity was done on a monthly interval for 6 months. Preliminary results suggest that both Sil-K and Epiderm are effective in treating hypertrophic scars. All of the four parameters studied showed improvement, with colour, texture and regularity showing higher percentage of improvement than thickness (90, 90, 80 and 50 per cent respectively). Complications such as rashes, pruitus, maceration and dry skin were reported by some subjects. Epiderm and Sil-K were also compared across factors such as cost, durability, conformity and hygiene to assist therapists in choosing the suitable silicone sheet for each individual patient.