Do not throw the gel sheet away if you develop any irritation or redness in response to using it. Remove the sheet, wash and dry your skin. Leave the sheet off until the symptoms resolve, then try it again, building up the skin tolerance slowly Mepiform is a thin, discreet and flexible dressing covered with a soft silicone Safetac layer, designed to aid the body's healing of wounds and scars, old and new. Mepiform consists of a polyurethane and viscose non-woven laminate covered with a soft silicone gel. Silicone gel dressings have empirically been shown to have positive impact on red and raised scars (hypertrophic scars and keloids). However, the mechanism of action for silicone on scars is not yet completely understood. Mepiform is designed to flatten, soften and fade red and raised scars, thus making them less visible Middelkoop et al found the use of Mepiform was associated with a significant improvement in hypertrophic scars in a study involving 12 patients.

As a preventative treatment Mepiform may be used for at least 1 month. The effectiveness of the treatment is dependent on the wearing time. Mepiform is designed to be worn 24 hours per day for optimum results. Since Mepiform is thin, comfortable and conforms well to body contours it can be worn during most daily activities. It is not clear exactly how Silicone works on a scar. Some research suggests that the silicone creates a protective barrier over the scar which allows it to mature while helping to prevent production of excess scar tissue. The silicone layer also assists with hydration of the scar. Where can I get silicone gel sheets? Safetac is a patented soft silicone adhesive technology. Dressings with Safetac technology are atraumatic upon removal. These dressings minimise trauma to the wound and the surrounding skin, which minimises pain to the patient. The risk of maceration is minimised by sealing the wound margins. There are different brands of silicone gel sheet available. Your therapist will assess which one is most suitable for your scar and demonstrate how to use it by providing you with a small sample. We request that your GP provide an ongoing supply. You will be given a letter to give to your GP requesting this. How do I use a silicone gel sheet? When applying Mepiform, make sure the area is dry. When used together with ointment or cream, ensure the dressing covers an area beyond the cream.

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Topical silicone gel sheeting has been used successfully for over 20 years to treat hypertrophic and keloid scars and is supported by numerous clinical evaluations and international clinical recommendations on scar management .

Topical silicone has empirically been shown to have positive impact on hypertrophic scars and keloids. It may take from 3 months up to a year or more to improve an old scar, depending on the condition of the scar tissue. Mepiform shall optimally be worn 24 hours a day. It is recommended that Mepiform is removed once a day, e.g-when showering or bathing, for inspection and washing of the skin. For prophylactic treatment, Mepiform shall be used for 6 months depending on the condition of the scar. Widened scars appear when surgical wounds are stretched as a result of skin tension during the healing process. They are generally pale in colour, flat, soft and symptomless, but can be aesthetically displeasing . Wash the gel sheet daily using lukewarm soapy water, rinse well and dry by patting it with a non-fluffy towel. Cheyne Child Development: while you wait leaflet - Pre-School Age (Hammersmith and Fulham children) Mepiform can be used on newly healed closed wounds to prevent the formation of red and raised scars.

Under normal conditions of use a new dressing should be applied every 3 - 7 days or when the adherent properties of the dressing are no longer sufficient. It may take from 3 months to a year or more to improve and old scar depending upon the condition of the scar tissue