CICA-CARE Silicone Gel Sheet for Scars

CICA-CARE is a soft, self-adhesive silicone gel sheet designed for the prevention and management of hypertrophic and keloid scars.

The reusable silicone sheet is applied directly to fully healed, intact skin and helps hydrate the scar area. With regular use, it can help soften, flatten and improve the colour and appearance of red, dark or raised scars resulting from surgery, injury or burns.

Key features:

• Self-adhesive medical-grade silicone gel sheet
• For the management of:
  • Hypertrophic scars
  • Keloid scars
  • Red or raised scars
• Can also be used on fully healed wounds to help prevent abnormal raised scarring
• Suitable for scars resulting from:
  • Surgery
  • Accidents and trauma
  • Burns
• Semi-occlusive design helps hydrate the scar
• Helps soften and flatten raised scar tissue
• Can help reduce scar redness and discolouration
• May help reduce scar-associated itching
• Soft and flexible
• Conforms to body contours
• Can be cut to size
• Self-adhesive
• Washable
• Reusable by the same person
• Suitable for prolonged day and night wear once the skin has become accustomed to treatment
• One sheet can typically be reused for approximately 28 days, depending on its condition and care
• Medical device

How CICA-CARE works:

CICA-CARE is made from a soft, self-adhesive silicone gel reinforced with a silicone membrane backing.

The sheet is semi-occlusive, helping increase hydration of the outer layer of the scar.

Maintaining an appropriately hydrated scar environment can help:

• Soften raised scar tissue
• Flatten hypertrophic and keloid scars
• Reduce redness and discolouration
• Reduce itching associated with some scars
• Improve the overall appearance and texture of the scar

Results vary between individuals and depend on the type, age and severity of the scar.

Improvement may begin to become apparent after approximately 2 months, with further improvement possible with prolonged, consistent use. Smith+Nephew notes that best results may be seen after around 6 months in some patients.

Suitable for:

CICA-CARE may be used for:

• New hypertrophic scars
• Existing hypertrophic scars
• Keloid scars
• Surgical scars
• Trauma-related scars
• Burn scars
• Fully healed wounds where there is a risk of developing raised scarring

The skin must be completely closed and healed before treatment begins.

Do not apply CICA-CARE to an open wound.

How to use:

1. Wash your hands before use.
2. Gently wash the scar and surrounding skin with a mild soap.
3. Rinse thoroughly with clean warm water.
4. Dry the scar and surrounding skin completely.
5. Remove CICA-CARE from its packaging with the protective liner still attached.
6. If necessary, cut the sheet to fit the scar using clean scissors.
7. Allow a small overlap beyond the edges of the scar.
8. Remove the protective plastic liner.
9. Apply the adhesive silicone side directly onto the scar.
10. Apply without stretching the sheet.
11. Smooth gently into place.

CICA-CARE is self-adhesive.

If extra fixation is needed because of the position of the scar, a light conforming bandage or suitable medical tape may be used.

Do not secure the sheet too tightly, as excessive pressure can irritate the scar and surrounding skin.

Gradually increase wearing time:

The skin should be allowed to become accustomed to prolonged silicone contact.

Smith+Nephew recommends:

• Days 1–2: Wear for approximately 4 hours per day
• Days 3–4: Wear for approximately 8 hours per day
• Thereafter: Increase wear time by approximately 2 hours each day

Aim for at least:

12 hours per day

Where comfortable and appropriate, CICA-CARE can eventually be worn for:

Up to 24 hours per day

with removal for washing and skin care.

Cleaning CICA-CARE:

CICA-CARE is designed to be washed and reused by the same person.

Clean the sheet:

Twice daily

using:

• Mild soap
• Clean warm water

Rinse thoroughly after washing.

Dry using:

• A clean, non-fluffy / lint-free cloth

or allow the sheet to air dry.

Do not use:

• Household detergents
• Harsh cleaning products
• Paper towels or kitchen roll that may stick to the silicone

Also wash and thoroughly dry the scar and surrounding skin before reapplying the sheet.

During hot weather, exercise or periods of heavy sweating, CICA-CARE may need to be washed more frequently to maintain comfortable and effective contact with the skin.

How long does one sheet last?

Replace CICA-CARE when:

• It begins to deteriorate
• Adhesion becomes poor
• It becomes damaged
• Cleaning becomes difficult

With appropriate care, a sheet can generally be used for approximately:

28 days

for the same individual.

Actual lifespan varies depending on:

• Location of the scar
• Frequency of washing
• Sweating
• Physical activity
• Condition of the sheet

How long should treatment continue?

Scar treatment requires consistent use over an extended period.

Visible improvement may occur from approximately 2 months, although treatment may need to continue for several months.

Older or more established scars may require longer treatment than newer scars.

Results vary between individuals.

Important information:

CICA-CARE should only be applied to fully healed, intact skin.

Do not use:

• On open wounds
• On infected wounds
• Over unhealed surgical incisions
• Over sutures or staples
• On skin affected by acne in the area being treated
• Where a dermatological condition has disrupted the integrity of the skin
• If there is a known sensitivity to the product

Following surgery, treatment should not begin until:

• Sutures or staples have been removed where applicable, and
• The surgical wound has completely healed

Skin irritation:

Some people may develop:

• Redness
• Rash
• Irritation
• Excessive sweating beneath the sheet

This can sometimes occur if:

• The sheet is worn for too long before the skin has become accustomed to it
• Hygiene is inadequate
• The sheet is secured too tightly

If a rash develops:

• Reduce wearing time
• Allow the skin regular periods without the sheet
• Ensure both the sheet and skin are kept clean and dry

If irritation persists, discontinue use and seek advice from a healthcare professional.

Use in children:

CICA-CARE may be used for scar management in children where appropriate.

Extra fixation may be required to prevent young children from removing or interfering with the sheet.

Professional advice is recommended when treating scars in young children.

Product type: Silicone Gel Sheet / Scar Management Dressing

Purpose: Prevention and management of hypertrophic and keloid scars

Material: Medical-grade silicone gel with silicone membrane backing

Adhesive: Self-adhesive silicone

Semi-occlusive: Yes

Can be cut: Yes

Washable: Yes

Reusable: Yes – for the same patient

Minimum target wear time: At least 12 hours daily once accustomed

Maximum wear: Up to 24 hours daily, allowing time for cleaning

Typical replacement interval: Approximately 28 days

Current UK sizes include:

CICA-CARE Silicone Gel Sheet – 12cm × 6cm

• Also described by NHS dm+d as 6cm × 12cm
• Manufacturer product code: 66250704
• Available as a single sheet
• NHS dm+d also lists a 3-sheet presentation
• BNF / dm+d code: 20031300025

CICA-CARE Silicone Gel Sheet – 12cm × 15cm

• Also described by NHS dm+d as 15cm × 12cm
• Manufacturer product code: 66250706 – single sheet
• Manufacturer product code: 66250707 – box of 10
• Available as:
  • 1 sheet
  • Box of 10 sheets
• BNF / dm+d code: 20031300026

Manufacturer: Smith & Nephew Medical Ltd

CICA-CARE should be used only on fully healed skin. Scar appearance and response to silicone therapy vary between individuals, and large, painful, worsening or unusual scars should be assessed by an appropriate healthcare professional.