A Study for skin hypersensitivity of silicone Gel sheet by skin patch test

Jeong, Ji Won; Kim, Jae Ryong

Abstract

Silicone gel sheeting is widely used to manage the hypertrophic or keloid scars. Since first reported in 1982 to be an effective treatment for burn scars and contractures, many authors reported its efficacy to treat scars. Chemically silicone gel sheet composed of cross-linked dimethy1 and vinyl enblocked polydimethylsiloxane polymer. The exact mechanism of silicone gel sheet to treat hypertrophic scar was still unknown, but decreasing the water vapor transmission was supposed to level the scar. During out clinical experience, a few patients suffered from skin problems by silicone gel sheeting. So we designed a study to determine the severity of skin hypersensitivity of silicone gel sheeting. Four types of silicone gel sheets were applied to upper arms of 140 healthy voluntees. Resultant skin lesions were analysed 48 and 96 hours later to differentiate the irritation and the true hypersensitivity. About 30 percent of voluteers represented mild skin irritability(48 hours later), but true skin hypersensitivity was not found(96 hours later). The site to be applied with silicone gel sheet is very critical area, so pretesting the irritability of silicone gel sheeting to individuals is an important step to control the hypertrophic scar.