Burns, surgeries and trauma will create open wounds to human skin, and delayed wound healing can result in the formation of hypertrophic scar. Traditional treatment using pressure garment or pressure pads made from polyethylene foam are uncomfortable to wear and often non-durable to sustain the pressure. Whereas silicone gel products available in the market are mainly used to moisturise the hypertrophic scar.
Thanks to Prof. Cecilia Li at the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, a “Smart Scar-Care” pad is designed, combining the effect of pressure therapy and silicone gel and serving dual functions of reinforcing pressure and moisturising the scar.
The “Smart Scar-Care” pad is composed of silicone stiffener and medical grade silicone gel sheet. The smooth side of the silicone stiffener is attached to a silicone gel sheet which serves to moisturise the scar. The other side of the silicone stiffener is characterised by circular silicone studs which can easily be adjusted against curved or flat skin surfaces to provide even pressure under elastic bandages or pressure garment. The pad comes in different stud height, diameter and gel thickness, for treatment of different scar thickness in various parts of the body.
Clinical trial results showed the pad effective in reducing scar pigmentation and vascularity, improving skin elasticity and preventing dehydration. Also, patients found it more durable and user-friendly compared with traditional pressure pads.
This innovation won the Grand Award and the Gold Medal with the Congratulations of Jury at the 45th International Exhibition of Inventions of Geneva. Details>>