A scar is a natural response to your body’s healing. But scars need care and treatment, too. Silicone scar tape can help minimize the appearance of a scar and relieve the itchy feeling that often comes with it. It can also help prevent a raised scar from forming.
Here, we share what types of scars can benefit from silicone scar tape, when you can start using it, how to apply and care for it and what you can expect from proper use and application.
Silicone Gel vs. Silicone Scar Tape
Silicone has been used to treat scars since the 1980s. You can buy over-the-counter silicone gel or ointment for scars, but tape can be easier to use. You need to reapply silicone gel throughout the day. When using it, you must diligently apply sunscreen and avoid direct sunlight to prevent hyperpigmentation (a condition that causes patches of skin to become darker).
Silicone scar tape is a self-adhesive that comes with a sheet of silicone gel on it. Silicone adhesives have different types and names, including patches, tape, sheets and strips. They all work similarly.
What Type of Scars Can Benefit From Silicone Scar Tape
Silicone scar tape works well on several types of scars, including:
- Hypertrophic scars
- Keloids
- Pitted scarring from acne
- Scars from burns
- Scars from surgery
A hypertrophic scar occurs when your body makes extra connective tissue as a wound heals, resulting in a thick, red, raised and sometimes itchy scar. A hypertrophic scar stays within the confines of the wound and typically gets less noticeable over time.
A keloid is also thick and raised. Unlike a hypertrophic scar, a keloid can extend beyond the confines of your wound and can be challenging to treat.
Surgery, burns and severe acne can also result in scars that can vary in appearance.
When to Start Using Silicone Scar Tape
It would be best to wait to use silicone scar tape until the skin around your wound has fully closed. If you have stitches or staples, you must also wait until they have been removed. Your provider can advise when it's OK to start using silicone scar tape.
How to Apply Silicone Scar Tape
Before applying the silicone scar tape, it’s important to clean and dry the area thoroughly.
Silicone scar tape is like a self-adhesive bandage. Once the area is dry, peel the backing off the tape and place the sticky part over the scar. Cover the entire scar with silicone tape, plus a little extra. Depending on the type of tape you buy, you may need to cut it to fit.
Your provider will tell you how many hours you should wear the silicone tape daily. Most providers recommend 22 to 24 hours, although you may start at 12 hours and build up to 24 hours over several days or weeks. For best results, you must use silicone scar tape consistently for three to 12 months.
How to Care for Silicone Scar Tape
Silicone scar tape is meant to be reused. Remove it when bathing and if you plan to swim. Make sure the area is clean and dry before replacing it.
You can keep the tape clean by gently washing it with cool water and mild soap and then letting it air dry. If your tape becomes less sticky, simply wash it. Once dry, the stickiness will return.
The Effectiveness of Silicone Scar Tape
Interestingly, we don’t know exactly why silicone helps with scar improvement. However, numerous studies have shown silicone to be effective. Silicone scar tape is one of the most popular scar treatment methods because of its ability to:
- Calm redness
- Decrease itchiness
- Prevent a raised scar from forming
- Reduce scar size
- Reduce swelling
- Soften a scar
Our Care Extends Beyond Surgery or Injury
At AdventHealth, we make you a priority. Whether you've had an injury or undergone surgery, you can find a provider who will ensure you know what to expect in the days ahead, including how to care for scars and beyond.
