Epi-Derm Large Silicone Gel Sheet

Epiderm FAQ

Keloids, and How Epi-Derm Can Help Prevent Them

Keloids are the aftereffect of an overgrowth of dense fibrous tissue that usually develops after healing of a skin injury. When a scar is formed, connective tissues or fibers are formed at the site to hold the wound closed. Keloids form when the cells continue to multiply after the wound is filled in. Symptoms may include pigmentation of the skin, discomfort, or an itchy or painful sensation. Scar treatment therapy options include silicone sheets for keloids, and pressure treatment. Keloids may often be prevented by using a pressure dressing like Epi-Net in conjunction with silicone scar strips over the injury site 24 hours each day. This treatment is most effective after healing of the wound or injury, usually within a month.

How is Epi-Derm best used?

• Epi-Derm, Pro-Sil, and Xeragel should be applied for a minimum of 12 hours per day for 8-12 weeks.
• Once gel sheeting has been applied to the scar site, it can be used for 1-2 weeks. When it begins to lose its adhesive qualities, or when surface dirt becomes difficult to remove with proper daily washing, it is time to replace the sheet.
• Epi-Derm scar silicone sheets may be cut into smaller pieces using clean scissors or a knife. The piece of gel sheeting should fully cover the scar and extend 1/4 inch all the way around the scar border. We recommend that you store unused product in its original packaging at room temperature.
• Always apply the sticky side of the silicone sheets to the scar!
• It is necessary to remove silicone sheeting for scars when you shower, workout or swim due to the excessive moisture.
• Nothing should be used underneath Epi-Derm gel sheeting (between the gel sheeting and your scar). Of course, Pro-Sil and Xeragel are frequently used during the day on exposed scars (face, hands, elbows, etc.) for 24 hour a day usage. Many patients prefer Epi-Derm scar silicone sheets at night when they are at home or sleeping, because a single sheet will last all night.
• Unused product, whether opened, or unopened, will last for years when stored properly.

When should I use Epi-Derm, and How Effective is it?

Epi-Derm can be applied as soon as sutures have been removed, and the scab is no longer present. Epi-Derm can be effective on older scars, however clinical studies have shown the newer the scar, the better the results. One such study found a success rate of scar reduction up to 85% on scars under 1 year old, and a rate of about 65% for scars over 10 years old.

Can Epi-Derm be used on facial scars?

Yes, Epi-Derm silicone strips work great on facial scars. Frequently, patients choose to use Pro-Sil or Xeragel on facial scars during the day because these products are less noticeable, then use Epi-Derm scar silicone sheets at night.

Unlike many over the counter scar reduction products, Epi-Derm, Pro-Sil and Xeragel are made of medical grade silicone.

Epi-Derm is safe and non-toxic and can be used on children. Each product has received U.S. FDA clearance and European C.E. mark and is comprised of safe, non-toxic, non-medicated, semi-occlusive silicone gel.