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Summary and evidence grading of over‐the‐counter scar treatments
Author(s) -
Grigoryan Konstantin V.,
Kampp Jeremy T.
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
international journal of dermatology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.677
H-Index - 93
eISSN - 1365-4632
pISSN - 0011-9059
DOI - 10.1111/ijd.15060
Subject(s) - medicine , grading (engineering) , general surgery , surgery , dermatology , engineering , civil engineering
Background Many products claiming to improve scar appearance are readily available on the Internet. Data behind these claims are often difficult to find or summarize. Patients often ask their surgeon for advice for scarring postdermatologic surgery. Objective We aim to review the evidence behind several advertised products and techniques that claim to improve postsurgical scarring. Methods A PubMed search was performed using products and methods claiming to improve scar appearance along with the terms “scar” and “scarring”. Results Published literature on scar massage, taping of scars, silicone gel and sheeting, onion‐based extract products, and vitamin E was reviewed. Silicone gel/sheeting as well as taping have the most evidence to help improve scarring, but even then the evidence is conflicting and weak. Conclusion Online advertising may tempt patients to buy and trial products to help minimize scarring, although the evidence for the effectiveness of these products is absent to minimal. Dermatologists must be aware of these products to maintain effective patient counseling.