SILICONE OCCLUSIVE SHEETING (SOS) IN THE MANAGEMENT OF HYPERTROPHIC AND KELOID SCARRING, INCLUDING THE POSSIBLE MODE OF ACTION OF SILICONE, BY STATIC ELECTRICITY

The clinical effect of 0.6 mm thick silicone occlusive sheeting (SOS) applied over 32 hypertrophic and keloid scars was investigated. 88% of scars so treated and followed up showed distinct improvement. These results compared favourably to those published in other series. The possible mode of action of the silicone on scar tissue is thought to be the creation of a static electrical field from friction on the silicone material surface. The passage of static electricity over a prolonged period of time may be the critical factor in scar inhibition. It is postulated that over a period of weeks to months the resulting electrical field may have some inhibitory effect on the scar tissue. The use of SOS prophylactically is suggested. A controlled study in six patients demonstrated convincingly the effectiveness of this therapy.