• Skin scars are the normal and inevitable outcome of mammalian tissue repair.
• Abnormal scars can cause unpleasant symptoms and be aesthetically distressing, disfiguring, and psychosocially and functionally disabling.

Abnormal scars maybe depressed scars or elevated scars ( Hypertrophic scars or Keloids ).

Hypertrophic burn scar:

Burn survivors can become frustrated that they still have issues with scarring and wounds after their initial burn injury has healed.

Hypertrophic burn scars (scars in the area of the original burn that are raised) are the most common complication of a burn injury and can limit a survivor’s ability to function as well as affect their body image.

What are hypertrophic burn scars:

– Stay within the area of the original burn injury.

– Develop within the first few months after the injury.

– Often have a deep red to purple color and are raised above the surface of the skin.

– Can be warm to the touch, hypersensitive and itchy.

– Are more prominent (noticable) around joints where skin tension and movement are high.

Common problems with hypertrophic scars :

– Scars across joints can cause a decrease in your ability to move. These are called contractures.

– Itching can lead to scratching and skin breakdown.

– People with visible scars may feel self-conscious around others and avoid social situations. This can lead to isolation, depression and lower quality of life.

– Scars can be dry and result in cracking or breakdowns in the skin (ulcerations).

– Scars are more sensitive to sun and chemicals.

What are Spectragel and Spectrafilm ?

Spectragel and spectrafilm are silicone gel sheeting forms ( polysiloxane ) prepared in the form of gel and sheet, indicated for the safe and effective prevention and treatment  of both old and new hypertrophic scars and keloids.

Since Spectragel is in a soft gel form , it can be applied to areas of the face and other places where compression bandages cannot. Spectrafilm can be applied on the covered areas.

Directions for use of spectragel:

1- Apply a small amount in one direction to make a very thin film.

2- Cosmetics and make up may be applied upon it once dry after 4 – 5 min.

3- Use Twice daily for 2 months in case of prevention, 2 months for treatment of new scars, 3 months minimum for old scars.

Directions for use of spectrafilm:

1- Cover the scar site with spectrafilm and ake sure it extends 0.5 cm around the scar border.

2- Remove the spectrafilm after 12 hours, wash both the sheet and the scar site and reapply the sheet.

3- Spectrafilm may be secured with clothing or adhesive tape.