Scar Management Clinical Research

 


Click on the image next to each summary below to view the full study.
 

ALHYDRAN


This open case series investigated the use of Medical Moisture Retention Cream (MMRC, ALHYDRAN®) in 18 patients with moderate venous eczema, often occurring alongside venous leg ulcers. Standard treatment typically includes compression therapy and topical steroids, but steroids can have significant side effects. MMRC combines Aloe Vera gel’s moisturizing effect with fatty acids that provide moderate occlusion. Applied twice daily over four weeks, patients experienced noticeable improvement in redness, flaking, crusting, itching, and dryness. Skin hydration visibly improved, with most reporting better sleep, mood, and social participation. No side effects were observed, and nurses rated the cream as effective and practical. The study concludes MMRC is safe and effective, though larger randomised trials are recommended.

Rondas, Armand A L M & Schols, Jos M.G.A.. (2017).

Disruption of the skin barrier is linked to conditions such as skin aging, scar formation, and certain types of eczema, often leading to increased transepidermal water loss (TEWL). This results in dryness, fragility, and itching, making effective rehydration and barrier restoration essential. While guidelines recommend a variety of creams, there is no consensus on the most effective option. Since 2005, Medical Moisture Retention Cream (MMRC, Alhydran®) has been widely used in healthcare settings for patients with impaired skin barrier function. Literature suggests MMRC can reduce itching and improve skin hydration, highlighting its potential as a safe and effective supportive therapy.

MWF, van & Hoeksema, Henk & JMGA, Schols. (2021).

Although silicone is widely used in scar management, its exact mechanism—thought to rely on balanced occlusion and hydration—remains unclear. This study compared the occlusive and hydrating effects of three fluid silicone gels, a hydrating gel-cream, and silicone gel sheets. Using tape-stripped skin as a scar-like model on 40 healthy volunteers, researchers measured transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and skin hydration over 3–4 hours. Results showed fluid silicone gels and the gel-cream had similar occlusive and hydrating properties, while silicone gel sheets were significantly more occlusive, reducing TEWL below normal skin levels. Findings suggest that a well-balanced, hydrating gel-cream may offer comparable benefits to silicone gels and could serve as a potential alternative in scar treatment.

Hoeksema H, De Vos M, Verbelen J, Pirayesh A, Monstrey S. (2013).

This study evaluated ALHYDRAN® in 18 patients (10 men, 8 women; mean age 69.8 years) with dry, itchy, and scaly skin caused by chronic venous insufficiency. Professionals assessed the overall treatment outcome as positive in 17 patients. At baseline, 16 patients reported no problems with sleep, mood, or social participation; however, during treatment, two patients experienced significant improvements in these areas. Healthcare professionals rated ALHYDRAN® 6.75 for effectiveness and 7.5 for feasibility on a 10-point scale. Only one patient developed worsening skin scaling after one week, leading to discontinuation. Overall, ALHYDRAN® was well-tolerated and may help reduce reliance on corticosteroids in managing venous insufficiency–related skin problems.

Rondas, A. A. L. M., Vestjens, J. A., & Schols, J. M. G. A. (2016).

This case report describes the use of ALHYDRAN® in a burn patient with facial and hand involvement. Shortly after application, the patient noted improved flexibility and a looser feeling in the skin, with visible improvements by the next day. Over three months, the skin became healthier, less scaly, and better hydrated, with itching significantly reduced. The combined treatment of ALHYDRAN®, lymphatic drainage, bandaging, and endermotherapy allowed the skin to move freely without tearing. After 18 months, the patient’s condition was markedly improved, with lasting benefits in skin hydration and elasticity. Clinicians recommend ALHYDRAN® for burn patients due to consistently positive outcomes in reducing itching, improving skin quality, and enhancing comfort.

Rijkenberg. R. (2015)




 

SCARBAN

In this large prospective study, hypertrophic scars and keloids were treated with silicone gel sheeting over a period; the study demonstrated significant improvements in scar colour (reduced redness), thickness, and elasticity. Patients were followed over time, and the scar outcomes were assessed via standard scar‐assessment tools (such as thickness/height, redness, pliability). Use of silicone sheets resulted in more pliable scars and better cosmetic appearance. The findings support the use of silicone sheets (including gel sheeting) as an effective non-invasive treatment for both old and new hypertrophic/keloid scars. The treatment was well tolerated.

Westra, I. et al. (2016)

In this prospective randomised trial in 30 patients (post-surgery, 2 weeks to 3 months after), efficacy and convenience of silicone gel sheets vs topical silicone gel were compared. Both treatments significantly reduced postoperative scar severity (assessed with the Vancouver Scar Scale) at 1 and 3 months; no significant difference in effectiveness was found between the two forms. However, patients found the topical silicone gel more convenient to use. The study suggests that in surgical scar prevention, gel sheets and gels are similarly effective, and choice might be guided by patient preference, scar location, and lifestyle to ensure good compliance.

Kim, S. M., et al. (2014).

This study explored the mechanism of silicone in scar management by comparing the occlusive and hydrating properties of three fluid silicone gels, a hydrating gel-cream, and silicone gel sheets. Using tape-stripped skin on 40 healthy volunteers as a scar-like model, researchers measured transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and skin hydration over 3–4 hours. Results showed that fluid silicone gels and the hydrating gel-cream had similar occlusive and hydrating effects, while silicone gel sheets were far more occlusive, reducing TEWL to levels below normal skin. The findings suggest that a well-balanced hydrating gel-cream can match the benefits of silicone gels and may serve as a potential alternative in scar treatment.

Hoeksema, H., De Vos, M., Verbelen, J., Pirayesh, A., & Monstrey, S. (2013).

 



 

BAPSCARCARE

Silicone gel for scars

A 29-year-old female patient underwent scar resection following a previous thyroidectomy, with an increased risk of hypertrophic scarring. Ten days after surgery, treatment began using BAPSCARCARE T silicone sheet combined with BAPSCARCARE gel for one year. Over 14 months, the scar progressively flattened and lightened, showing visible improvement by the 3- and 4-month follow-ups. The medical team noted no side effects, describing the therapy as effective, easy to apply, and suitable for early intervention post-suture removal. The patient reported excellent adherence, comfort, and satisfaction with the discrete, non-sticky gel and silicone sheet, achieving an aesthetically pleasing and well-healed result.

University Hospital of Ghent, Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery

Bapscar silicone gel for scars nz

A 55-year-old male underwent abdominal surgery (cholecystectomy) and was at high risk of problematic scar formation due to wound-healing complications. One month post-operation, treatment began with BAPSCARCARE T silicone sheet for one month, followed by five months of BAPSCARCARE gel. Over six months, the scar showed marked improvement—folding and thickness were reduced, and skin pliability increased. The medical team noted that combining the silicone sheet with the gel enhanced patient compliance and outcomes. The patient reported improved scar appearance, minimal irritation, and disappearance of itching after switching to the gel, praising its invisible, non-sticky texture and overall ease of use.

Durante, C. M., & Ciprandi, G. (Year). Case BAPSCARCARE: Surgical intervention [Case study]. Instituto Estetico Italiano & Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, Rome, Italy: BAP Medical BV.

A 38-year-old female developed a keloid scar on the right external malleolus following a road accident with soft tissue loss. Three months post-injury, she began treatment with BAPSCARCARE T silicone sheet (night) and BAPSCARCARE gel (day) for seven months. Progressive improvements were seen in scar thickness, vascularity, and skin pliability, with substantial softening and color normalization by the end of therapy. The medical team observed a significant reduction in keloid elevation and improved texture. The patient, a fitness instructor, preferred the gel during daytime due to its comfort in wet environments and reported satisfaction with the scar’s smoother, less prominent appearance.

BAP Medical BV. (n.d.). Case BAPSCARCARE: Keloid scar after road trauma (BSC60-003) [Case study]. Instituto Estetico Italiano & Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, Rome, Italy. Apeldoorn, The Netherlands: Author.

A 38-year-old female developed early-stage hypertrophic scarring on her right forearm following multiple fractures and surgical realignment with plates. Seven weeks post-operation, she began treatment combining BAPSCARCARE T silicone sheet (night) with BAPSCARCARE gel (day) for four months. Over the treatment period, the scar’s redness and pigmentation significantly decreased, with visible softening and smoother texture. The medical team observed reduced vascularity, improved flexibility, and thinner scar tissue, recommending continued therapy for optimal results. The patient reported easier application, comfort, and satisfaction with the gel’s non-sticky texture and the sheet’s discretion, noting improved overall scar appearance.

BAP Medical BV. (n.d.). Case BAPSCARCARE: Surgical intervention (BSC60-004) [Case study]. Instituto Estetico Italiano & Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, Rome, Italy. Apeldoorn, The Netherlands: Author.