CICA-CARE◊
Silicone Gel Sheet
Effective in preventing1-2, softening, flattening and fading, red and raised scars - both old and new.3-6
From scar prevention to treatment, choose CICA-CARE Gel Sheet.
Whether it’s that time we accidentally fell, cut, burnt ourselves or had that surgery, each scar tells a story from our past. But scars don't have to leave a mark on our future!
CICA-CARE Gel Sheet is effective in the management of new and existing hypertrophic and keloid scars4,7-8.
CICA-CARE Gel Sheet can be used as soon as the wound has healed to help prevent the formation of red and raised scars1-2.
Whether it’s a surgical scar (from a Caesarean section, cosmetic surgery or mole removal) or it’s a scar from accidental injuries such as a burn3-4,9, CICA-CARE Gel Sheet can be used.
Always read the label and follow the directions for use.
CICA-CARE Gel Sheet is effective in the management of new and existing hypertrophic and keloid scars4,7-8.
CICA-CARE Gel Sheet can be used as soon as the wound has healed to help prevent the formation of red and raised scars1-2.
Whether it’s a surgical scar (from a Caesarean section, cosmetic surgery or mole removal) or it’s a scar from accidental injuries such as a burn3-4,9, CICA-CARE Gel Sheet can be used.
Always read the label and follow the directions for use.
Features and Benefits
Choosing the right product
CICA-CARE Gel Sheet is available in a variety of sizes, depending on the size of your scar.
If you are unsure, please ask your pharmacist before purchase.
| Size | Dressings per pack |
| 6cm x 12cm | 1 silicone gel sheet |
| 3cm x 12cm | 1 silicone gel sheet |
| 12cm x 15cm | 1 silicone gel sheet |
If you are unsure, please ask your pharmacist before purchase.
Instructions for Use
Step 1. Wash hands before and after use.
Step 2. Gently clean the scar and surrounding skin with a mild soap and rinse in clean warm water. Thoroughly dry the scar and surrounding skin.
Step 3. Peel lid from tray and remove CICA-CARE Gel Sheet with printed plastic sheet still attached.
Step 4. For small scars, cut gel sheet to fit scar size, with a small overlap over the surrounding skin (A). To facilitate ease of removal, ensure that the cut piece includes the removal flap on the printed plastic sheet. For large scars, use several sheets side by side.
Step 5. Remove printed plastic sheet (B).
Step 6. Apply gel sheet, adhesive side to the scar, without stretching (C). Although self-adhesive, CICA-CARE Gel Sheet may also be held in place by a light elastic conforming bandage or tape such as OPSITE◊ FLEXIFIX Roll or PRIMAFIX◊ Tape. Do not hold the gel sheet too tightly against the scar as this can lead to irritation of the scar and the surrounding area. Throw away hygienically after use.
2. Clean CICA-CARE Gel Sheet twice daily with a mild soap and rinse well (D). Dry with a non-fluffy towel or by airing. Avoid using detergent for cleansing as this may lead to skin irritation. Avoid using paper products (e.g. kitchen towels) to dry the CICA-CARE Gel Sheet as it can adhere to the sheet. NOTE: In warm weather or during periods of physical activity where sweating may occur, CICA-CARE Gel Sheet should be cleansed more often for comfort and to maintain optimal contact between CICA-CARE Gel Sheet and the skin.
3. Ensure the scar and surrounding skin are washed using the mild soap prior to re-applying the gel sheet. Rinse the area in clean warm water. Dry with a non-fluffy towel.
4. When CICA-CARE Gel Sheet begins to wear or cleaning is difficult, it should be replaced. This usually occurs after 28 days. Results may be seen from 2 months. Scar improvement time will vary between individuals.
Step 2. Gently clean the scar and surrounding skin with a mild soap and rinse in clean warm water. Thoroughly dry the scar and surrounding skin.
Step 3. Peel lid from tray and remove CICA-CARE Gel Sheet with printed plastic sheet still attached.
Step 4. For small scars, cut gel sheet to fit scar size, with a small overlap over the surrounding skin (A). To facilitate ease of removal, ensure that the cut piece includes the removal flap on the printed plastic sheet. For large scars, use several sheets side by side.
Step 5. Remove printed plastic sheet (B).
Step 6. Apply gel sheet, adhesive side to the scar, without stretching (C). Although self-adhesive, CICA-CARE Gel Sheet may also be held in place by a light elastic conforming bandage or tape such as OPSITE◊ FLEXIFIX Roll or PRIMAFIX◊ Tape. Do not hold the gel sheet too tightly against the scar as this can lead to irritation of the scar and the surrounding area. Throw away hygienically after use.
Recommended Care
1. For the first two days use CICA-CARE Gel Sheet for 4 hours during the day or night. For next two days use CICA-CARE Gel Sheet for 8 hours each day or night. Continue to increase wear time by two hours per day until a minimum of 12 hours per day is reached. If possible, CICA-CARE Gel Sheet should be worn 24 hours per day.2. Clean CICA-CARE Gel Sheet twice daily with a mild soap and rinse well (D). Dry with a non-fluffy towel or by airing. Avoid using detergent for cleansing as this may lead to skin irritation. Avoid using paper products (e.g. kitchen towels) to dry the CICA-CARE Gel Sheet as it can adhere to the sheet. NOTE: In warm weather or during periods of physical activity where sweating may occur, CICA-CARE Gel Sheet should be cleansed more often for comfort and to maintain optimal contact between CICA-CARE Gel Sheet and the skin.
3. Ensure the scar and surrounding skin are washed using the mild soap prior to re-applying the gel sheet. Rinse the area in clean warm water. Dry with a non-fluffy towel.
4. When CICA-CARE Gel Sheet begins to wear or cleaning is difficult, it should be replaced. This usually occurs after 28 days. Results may be seen from 2 months. Scar improvement time will vary between individuals.
Precautions for Use
In some patients, a rash has been observed on the covered skin. This has been attributed to either poor hygiene or to the product being applied too tightly. Should a rash appear, reduce CICA-CARE Gel Sheet treatment time to 12 hours followed by 12 hours rest. If the rash persists, discontinue use and consult your healthcare professional. On surgical incisions, use CICA-CARE Gel Sheet only after sutures have been removed and the site is fully healed. Follow acclimatisation and washing procedures carefully. Use of CICA-CARE Gel Sheet is not recommended on young children unless used in combination with an appropriate secondary retention dressing. Do not use with ointments or creams under gel sheet. Should any signs of irritation (reddening, inflammation) maceration (over-hydration of skin), hypergranulation (excess tissue) or sensitivity (allergic reactions) appear, discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional. Dressings are for healthcare professional use or for use by consumers. If during the use of this device you believe that a serious incident has occurred, please report it to the manufacturer complaints@smith-nephew.com.
Contraindications
Do not use on open wounds. Do not use on skin affected by dermatological conditions (e.g. psoriasis & acne). Do not use unless skin surrounding scar is normal and wound is fully healed.Frequently Asked Questions
How long will it take for the scar to improve?
It can vary from person to person and from scar to scar. Some people may see an improvement in as little as 2 months5.
How soon can CICA-CARE Gel Sheet be used after an injury?
CICA-CARE Gel Sheet may be used on any old or new closed wound. This includes red and raised scars resulting from surgical incisions such as Caesarean section, cosmetic surgery or accidental injuries, such as burns3-4,9. Always ensure the wound is fully closed before using CICA-CARE Gel Sheet. Do not use on open or infected wounds.
If my scar is longer than the piece of CICA-CARE Gel Sheet, can I join pieces together?
Yes, the scar may require more than one piece to cover it. These should be placed edge to edge rather than overlapping each other.
Why do I have to wash CICA-CARE Gel Sheet?
As part of normal hygiene, it is wise to keep CICA-CARE Gel Sheet clean to maintain optimal contact between CICA-CARE Gel Sheet and the skin.
Where To Buy
References
1. Smith+Nephew 2000.A Controlled Evaluation of CICA-CARE, Applied Following Suturing, in Preventing the Development of Hypertrophic Scars and Keloids Following Excision or Biopsy of Skin Lesions. Internal Report. STR/ST212/CT9604.
2. Gold MH, Foster TD, Adair MA, Burlison K, Lewis T. Prevention of Hypertrophic Scars and Keloids by the Prophylactic Use of Topical Silicone Gel Sheets Following a Surgical Procedure in an Office Setting. Dermatol Surg. 2001;27(7):641-644.
3. Momeni M, Hafezi F, Rahbar H, Karimi H. Effects of silicone gel on burn scars. Burns. 2009;35(1):70-74.
4. Smith+Nephew 2000.An Investigation of the Use of Cica-Care in the Treatment of Hypertrophic and Keloid Scars: A Clinical, Histological and Immunohistochemical Study. Internal Report. STR/ST214/CT9606.
5. Carney SA, Cason CG, Gowar JP, et al. Cica-Care gel sheeting in the management of hypertrophic scarring. Burns. 1994;20(2):163-167.
6. Al-Mandeel MS, Bang RL, Ebrahim MK. Re-appraisal of Cica-Care (Silicone gel sheet) in the treatment of hypertrophic and keloid scars. Saudi Med J. 1998;19(6):741745
7. Donald L. Comparison of 2 Types of Silicone Gel Sheets. Australian/New Zealand Burns Association(ANZBA). 1995;14:10-11.
8. Quinn KJ. Silicone gel in scar treatment. Burns. 1987;13:S33-S40.
9. Li-Tsang CWP, Lau JCM, Choi Jenny, Chan CCC, Jianan L. A prospective randomized clinical trial to investigate the effect of silicone gel sheeting (Cica-Care) on posttraumatic hypertrophic scar among the Chinese population. Burns. 2006;32(6):678683.
10. Derbyshire E. Innovations in skin camouflaging techniques: Where are we scientifically? Int J Cosmet Sci. 2019;41(6):526-533.
11. Ngaage M, And Agius M. The Psychology of Scars: A Mini-Review. Psychiatria Danubina. 2018;30(Suppl 7):633-638.
12. Smith+Nephew 2018.User verification testing of usability related Design Inputs for Cicacare Silicone gel sheet. Internal Report. U/040/R3.
13. Smith+Nephew 2018.Simulated Wash study to determine if CICA-CARE has the ability to withstand being wetted. Internal Report. U/040/R4.
14. Nikkonen MM, Pitkanen JM, Al-Qattan MM. Problems associated with the use of silicone gel sheeting for hypertrophic scars in the hot climate of Saudi Arabia. Burns. 2001;27(5):498-501.