The efficacy of topical silicone gel sheeting in prevention and/or reduction of keloids and hypertrophic scars is well recognized. In the present study, we reexamined the possible release of silicone-related compound(s) from a commercially available silicone gel sheet (Cica-Care, Smith and Nephew, Hull, England) in aqueous media in vitro. The silicone gel sheet was also applied on the excised skin surface to examine the possible distribution of silicone-related compounds into the skin in vitro. Silicone-related compounds were measured as silicon by an inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrophotometer. When a piece of silicone gel sheet was placed in phosphate buffer solution (pH 3–9) at 37°C for 7 days, the concentration of silicon in the medium increased with time, depending on the pH of the medium. This indicates that the released silicone-related compounds are water-soluble. When Cica-Care was applied on the surface of excised rat skin, human axilla skin and hypertrophic scars under hydrated conditions in vitro, silicon was detected in all skin samples. Greater distribution was observed in rat skin than in human axilla skin and hypertrophic scars. The release of silicone-related compounds from a silicone gel sheet (Cica-Care) and their distribution into the skin were demonstrated in vitro. Silicone-related compounds distributed into the skin may have pharmacological effects on the skin. Further investigation will be necessary to investigate in detail the action of silicone-related compounds on the proliferation of fibroblasts and excessive production of collagen.

Keywords:
Keloid therapy, Release of silicon(e), Silicone gel sheeting, Skin distribution of silicon(e)
This content is only available via PDF.
1999
Copyright / Drug Dosage / Disclaimer
Copyright: All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be translated into other languages, reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, microcopying, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.
Drug Dosage: The authors and the publisher have exerted every effort to ensure that drug selection and dosage set forth in this text are in accord with current recommendations and practice at the time of publication. However, in view of ongoing research, changes in government regulations, and the constant flow of information relating to drug therapy and drug reactions, the reader is urged to check the package insert for each drug for any changes in indications and dosage and for added warnings and precautions. This is particularly important when the recommended agent is a new and/or infrequently employed drug.
Disclaimer: The statements, opinions and data contained in this publication are solely those of the individual authors and contributors and not of the publishers and the editor(s). The appearance of advertisements or/and product references in the publication is not a warranty, endorsement, or approval of the products or services advertised or of their effectiveness, quality or safety. The publisher and the editor(s) disclaim responsibility for any injury to persons or property resulting from any ideas, methods, instructions or products referred to in the content or advertisements.
You do not currently have access to this content.