From the Research
Silicone tape works to treat keloids through several mechanisms, primarily by increasing hydration of the stratum corneum and decreasing transepidermal water loss, which helps normalize collagen production and reduces excessive fibroblast activity. The most recent and highest quality study 1 suggests that silicone gel sheeting is effective in preventing hypertrophic scars and keloids, with a significant difference between the silicone gel sheeting group and the placebo group in preventing the risk of hypertrophic scars. Key points about the mechanism of silicone tape in treating keloids include:
- Increased hydration of the stratum corneum
- Decreased transepidermal water loss
- Normalization of collagen production
- Reduction of excessive fibroblast activity
- Creation of a hypoxic environment that inhibits capillary activity and reduces collagen production For effective treatment, silicone tape should be applied directly to clean, dry skin over the keloid for 12-24 hours daily, with removal only for cleaning, as supported by the study 2. It's also important to note that hydration, not silicone, modulates the effects of keratinocytes on fibroblasts, as suggested by the study 3, which may be one possible mechanism by which topical silicone or occlusive dressing treatment may affect the development of hypertrophic scars and keloids. Overall, the use of silicone tape is a non-invasive approach that is generally well-tolerated with minimal side effects, making it a first-line therapy for both prevention and treatment of keloids, as indicated by the review 1.