A Natural Phenomenon
Scars are the result of the body’s natural healing process after an injury, surgery, or skin condition. They are a visible testament to the body’s remarkable ability to repair and regenerate damaged skin.
So, what is the problem?
Although scarring is an incredible bodily function, you would not be alone in your struggles of enduring them. Scars have both a physical and emotional impact, particularly on self-esteem. In a cross-sectional survey of 723 adults with atrophic acne scars, 27.5% of participants were embarrassed or self-conscious because of their scars, 35.5% avoided public appearances, 43.2% felt that their scars negatively impact their relationships, and 37.5% believed that their scars affected people’s perception of them1. Frustrating ailments such as itchiness, dryness, sensitivity, and tightness are just a few of the physical strains caused by scars, which can severely impact your everyday movements, functioning and emotional well-being.
Scars Are an Essential Part of the Healing Process
The formation of a scar is caused by excess amounts of fibroblasts, which produce and deposit collagen fibres in the wound as the body attempts to repair damaged tissue. This is a crucial phase in the healing process to not only ensure successful skin rejuvenation but, more importantly, it is a contributing factor to our survival. How?
Protection: Scarring provides a framework for regrowth and establishes a major line of defence for reducing the risk of infection. Once scarred, wounds are closed, and further damage can be prevented.
Support: Although newly formed scar tissue may not have the same flexibility as the original tissue, it provides rapid structural support to the injured area to contribute to overall tissue strength and stability.
Long-term Resistance: Scars are a reminder of previous injuries, signalling a potential weak point to be reinforced by the body. As the scar tissue develops, the repaired area may develop an increased resistance to future damage.
Embrace the Natural Armour of Your Skin with These Common Scar Treatments
Topical treatments: Over the counter or prescription creams, gels, or ointments containing ingredients such as silicone, vitamin E, onion extract, or corticosteroids can be applied to scarring to help flatten, reduce redness, and improve its overall appearance. Topical treatments are often used for less severe scars.
Pressure therapy: Pressure dressings, silicone gel sheets, or compression garments apply constant pressure on the scar, helping to flatten and soften it over time. This method is commonly used for hypertrophic and keloid scars.
Laser therapy: Laser treatment involves using specific light wavelengths to target and break down scar tissue. This therapy helps to stimulate collagen production and promote new skin cell growth. Laser therapy can be effective for several types of scars, including hypertrophic scars, keloids, and acne scars.
Surgical intervention: In some cases, surgical procedures such as scar revision or excision may be recommended for more complex or severe scars.
Injectable treatments: Certain injectable treatments can reduce inflammation and flatten raised scars; Other injectables, such as dermal fillers, can be administered to help plump up depressed scars and improve their appearance.
Microdermabrasion and chemical peels: These procedures involve the removal of the top layer of skin to reveal new skin underneath to help improve the texture and appearance of scars.
Selecting the Right Treatment for Your Scars
Silicone gel sheeting has been used in scar treatment and scar therapy for over 30 years, and its efficacy has been the subject of numerous clinical evaluations2, having been observed to prevent and manage evolving hypertrophic and keloid scars3. Topical silicone gels remain as a favoured treatment of medical experts in scar management4.
One type of silicone gel sheeting available in Australia is the Rystora® Scar Sheets, which are flexible, breathable, and intended for use on all kinds of scarring.
Rystora® Scar Sheets are non-invasive and can be applied following recent surgeries, burns and other wounds to help reduce the size, density, itchiness, and discolouration of scars.
Being self-adherent, the sheets are suitable for direct application onto the skin as a stand-alone treatment or in combination with other therapies.
What Are the Differences Between Rystora® Scar Sheeting and Other Gel Sheeting?
Made with medical grade silicone, Rystora® Scar Sheeting aids in the prevention of bacteria growth. The sheets are designed to be non-toxic, odourless, tasteless, non-staining and non-corroding on the skin and other materials.
Rystora® has implemented a unique “micro-pore technology” into their sheets that help lock moisture into the scar and surrounding skin, promoting quicker restoration.
Additionally, as the sheets are washable, they can be recycled and reused, making them a more likely cost-effective solution against other silicone-based scar reduction products.
How Do Rystora® Scar Sheets Minimise Scars?
Silicone gel sheets help to develop an occluded environment, creating pressure on injured skin to discourage the growth of hypertrophic scarring caused by excessive fibroblast-induced collagen deposition.
The hydrophobic characteristic of the silicone material can reduce vaporisation and helps preserve the right humidity required to maintain a hydrated environment for scar rejuvenation. The nourishment of moisture promotes the regrowth of epithelium while reducing the inflammatory response and capillary activity responsible for overactive collagen production.
The silicone adhesive layer also acts as a barrier against adhesions and can prevent further harm to the skin when accidentally bumped or pulled.
How to Use Rystora® Scar Sheet?
- Can be applied to both newly healed skin and aged scars.
- Ensure the skin is clean, dry, and free of ointment or cream before applying.
- Cut to fit small-scale scars or combine to cover larger areas.
- To minimise irritation, apply the scar sheet gradually. Apply the sheet for 4 hours per day for the first two days. Increase the duration to 6 hours on the third day, 8 hours on the fourth day, 10 hours on the fifth day, and 12 hours on the sixth day.
- For best results, Rystora® Scar Sheet should be applied consecutively for at least 12 hours per day for at least eight weeks.
- To help flatten the scar tissue, massage over the scar sheets gently.
- If appropriately washed and dried daily, Rystora® Scar Sheets can be reused for at least seven days.
- To wash, gently clean the Rystora® Scar Sheet in mild soapy water and air-dry upon the product’s foil bag with the adhesive side up.
Precautions for the Use of Rystora® Scar Sheet?
- Do not use on open wounds or unhealed skin.
- If a rash or irritation develops, immediately remove the Rystora® Scar Sheet and consult a doctor or pharmacist.
- Keep out of reach of children under three years of age to prevent any risk of choking.
- This product is not sterile and does not contain antibiotics.
- Do not use Rystora® Scar Sheet on dermatosis (skin defect).
Who Developed and Manufactured the Rystora® Scar Sheet?
The Rystora® Scar Sheet was designed and developed by the Research & Development team of Fortune Medical Instrument Corporation. The company has been producing silicone-related products for over 40 years that are ISO 13485 certified. Fortune Medical Instrument Corporation distributes its medical products worldwide, including in the United States, Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.
So, What Is the Truth of Your Scars and How to Treat Them?
When our skin is compromised, our body naturally activates a series of complex biological processes to restore its integrity. This naturally occurring miracle is essential for laying the foundation of the healing process, including the closing and protection of wounds, tissue support and restructuring, and long-term resistance to damage.
Modern medicine has contributed to various effective treatment options for the struggles that follow scar development, including the commonly used pressure therapy solution; silicone gel sheeting.
Separate from other silicone gel sheets, Rystora® Scar Sheets consist of medical-grade silicone and are washable for reuse. Designed with a unique “micro-pore technology” the sheets can be applied to assist in the successful management and minimisation of scarring.
For more information and additional scar treatment products, please visit endopersonalcare.com.au/scar-treatment/
References
1 Tan, Jerry, et al. “Evaluation of Psychological Well-Being and Social Impact of Atrophic Acne Scarring: A Multinational, Mixed-Methods Study.” JAAD International, vol. 6, Mar. 2022, pp. 43–50, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jdin.2021.11.006. Accessed 24 Feb. 2022.
2 Bleasdale, B., Finnegan, S., Murray, K., Kelly, S. and Percival, S.L. (2015). The Use of Silicone Adhesives for Scar Reduction. Advances in Wound Care, 4(7), pp.422–430. https://doi.org/10.1089/wound.2015.0625. Accessed 25 Oct. 2019.
3 FULTON, J.E. (1995). Silicone Gel Sheeting for the Prevention and Management of Evolving Hypertrophic and Keloid Scars. Dermatologic Surgery, 21(11), pp.947–951. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1524-4725.1995.tb00531.x. Accessed 7 Dec. 2019.
4 Bleasdale, B., Finnegan, S., Murray, K., Kelly, S. and Percival, S.L. (2015). The Use of Silicone Adhesives for Scar Reduction. Advances in Wound Care, 4(7), pp.422–430. https://doi.org/10.1089/wound.2015.0625. Accessed 25 Oct. 2019.