A scar is part of the normal healing process. The type of scar that forms can depend on a variety of factors including the nature of the injury, which part of the body, the size and the depth of the wound. Scars consist of a non-living protein called collagen which is the most common tissue in the body.

Some injuries will leave a flat white scar that will virtually fade away in time. CICA-CARE^◊ is not effective on this type of scar. CICA-CARE^◊ is appropriate for red and raised scars resulting from injury to any part of the body, including the face, from surgery or accidents, and may be cuts or burns. But, other scars known as hypertrophic and keloids can cause great discomfort both by restricting movement and by emotional distress.

A keloid scar is a red and raised area which can be uncomfortable and restricting. This type of scarring is a result of the build up of collagen in the area, making the scar larger than the actual size of the wound.

Hypertrophic scarring is also red and raised, but without the excess collagen build-up leaving the scar confined to the original wound area.

CICA-CARE^◊ is a unique product for improving scars. It is an advanced form of silicone in an adhesive gel sheet, which has been widely used by medical professionals to help reduce old and new red and raised scars by flattening, fading and softening.

In 1982, in Australia, a children's hospital was looking for a material which could be used under pressure garments to ensure that pressure was being evenly distributed. It was noticed that where the silicone gel was the scar improved more rapidly. Following this discovery in Australia, the clinical trials began in the UK, which found it was effective when used alone.

No, it was originally used for pressure relief.

Research into how CICA-CARE^◊ works suggests it may occlude the skin to hydrate the scar area. This means moisture is locked into the skin around the scar. The effect of this may make the scar tissue paler in colour.

As CICA-CARE^◊ can be cut to size, one piece (5 inches x 2 3/8 inches) will enable a 2" scar to be treated for up to 4 months for under $0.50 per day, which is less expensive than a daily newspaper in most countries.

CICA-CARE^◊ may be used on any old or new closed wounds, including red or raised scars resulting from surgical incisions such as cesarean sections, cosmetic surgery or accidental injury such as burns and cuts. Always ensure that the wound is fully closed before using CICA-CARE^◊. Do not use on open wounds, infected wounds, scabs, or over stitches.

Yes, the scar may require more than one piece cut from the sheet to cover the scar. These should be placed edge to edge rather than overlapping each other.

It can vary from person to person and from scar to scar. Some people may see an improvement in a matter of days. When used correctly, best results are seen after 2-4 months treatment time. For the first two days of treatment CICA-CARE^◊ should be used for 4 hours per day. For the next two days, CICA-CARE^◊ can be increased to 8 hours per day. After this, wear time should be increased by 2 hours per day until a minimum of 12 hours per day is reached. If possible, CICA-CARE^◊ should be worn 24 hours per day. This build up is necessary to get the skin accustomed to the gel sheet.

Each separate cut piece used should be cleansed twice daily and will last up to one month in use. Easy painless to remove and replace, the adhesive sheet stays in place, although a light bandage or tape may give extra help to hold it in place. The CICA-CARE^◊ adhesive gel sheet is soft, comfortable and easy to apply. It can be cut to size to fit most scars, it is durable and reusable and is ideal for either day or night use.

No, it is intended as a temporary treatment but can be worn until you stop seeing further improvement in your scar. The total treatment time is likely to be from 2-4 months.

CICA-CARE^◊ gel sheet must be cleaned twice daily. This may need to be increased in warm weather or during periods of physical activity. Mild soap can be used, but do not clean with household cleaning products. For your own comfort and convenience, CICA-CARE^◊ can be removed for you to wash and bathe as normal.

As part of normal hygiene it is wise to keep the CICA-CARE^◊ clean. Also the stickiness of the product is restored after cleansing. This will remove normal oils/secretions of skin.

CICA-CARE^◊ is non-irritating even on sensitive skin. It is safe for use on children and adults.

Where there is broken skin, CICA-CARE^◊ should not be used.
To date there has been no research to determine if CICA-CARE^◊ will work on other skin problems

CICA-CARE^◊ has been shown to be successful in improving older red and raised scars by softening, flattening and fading the colour of the scar. However, results are expected to be most effective on more recent scars.

The scar needs to be red and/or raised for CICA-CARE^◊ to be effective - it doesn't work on old white, flat scars.

In order for CICA-CARE^◊ to work, it must be in good contact with the scar. If there is too much hair, then shaving may be an option.

It is safe for use on children and adults.
The product has been tested on subjects from 2-60+ years of age. We have no data on its use on infants below the age of 2 years.

Yes, CICA-CARE^◊ has been shown to help the incidence of red and raised (Hypertrophic & Keloid) scars, if used immediately after the wound has healed (intact skin).

It is not totally clear why some skin types scar more easily or readily than others. Nevertheless, it is believed that darker skinned people are usually at a higher risk.
CICA-CARE^◊ can be used to help prevent scarring when used as soon as the wound has healed.

Many patients have benefited from the use of CICA-CARE^◊ . To date over 1,000,000 (one million) units have been sold worldwide.

Bear in mind that even though there will always be some evidence of the scar, recurrence has not been reported in the majority of cases after using CICA-CARE^◊.

1. Carney S.A., C.G Cason, J.P Gowar, J.H Stevenson, J.McNee, A.R. Groves, S.S. Thomas, N.B. Hart and P. Auclair, (1994). CICA-CARE^◊ gel sheet in the management of hypertrophic scarring. 20, (2), pp163-167.

2. Dockery G.L. & Nilson R.Z., The Journal of Foot and Ankle Surgery(1994) Treatment of Hypertrophic and Keloid Scars with SILASTIC Gel Sheeting. 33,(2),pp110-119.

3. Gold M.H.,J Am Acad Dermatol(1994). A controlled clinical trial of tropical silicone gel sheeting in the treatment of hypertrophic scars and keloid. 30, pp506-507

4. Donald L., Australian/New Zealand Burns Association (ANZBA) (1995). Comparison of 2 types of silicone Gel Sheets.  14 pp10-11.

5. Sproat J.E., Dalcin A., Weitauer N., Roberts R.S., Plast reconstr Surg(1992). Hypertrophic sternal scars: silicone gel sheet versus Kenalog injection treatment. 90, pp988-992.

6. Ahn S.T., Monafo W.W., Mustoe T.A., Arch Surg(1991). Topical Silicone Gel for the Prevention and Treatment of Hypertrophic Scar. 126, pp499-504.

7. Katz B.E., Cutis(1995) Silicone Gel Sheeting in Scar Therapy 56, pp65-67.