title: A randomized controlled trial of hydrocolloid dressing in the treatment of hypertrophic scars and keloids.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Silicone gel sheeting has been investigated for use in the treatments of keloids and hypertrophic scars. Its mechanism of action may be related to scar hydration.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of the present study was to evaluate a hydrocolloid occlusive dressing that also acts by promoting a moist environment.
  
  
  METHODS
  In a randomized controlled prospective study, patients were allocated to receive hydrocolloid dressing or moisturizer to keloids or hypertrophic scars. Scar size and volume, color, patient symptoms, and transcutaneous oxygen measurements were taken.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There was significantly reduced itching (P < 0.03), somewhat reduced pain (P < 0.08) and increased pliability (10%) for both treatments over 2 months.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Hydration of the scar for 2 months resulted in symptomatic improvement, but no change in physical parameters.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, Boston University School of Medicine, Massachusetts 02118, USA.
authors.forename: T J
authors.initials: TJ
authors.lastname: Phillips
authors.forename: A D
authors.initials: AD
authors.lastname: Gerstein
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Lordan
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D017439:Cicatrix, Hypertrophic / Q000628:therapy*; D003102:Colloids; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007627:Keloid / Q000628:therapy*; D008055:Lipids; D008297:Male; D009779:Occlusive Dressings; D009823:Ointment Bases / Q000008:administration & dosage; D011446:Prospective Studies
chemical_list: D003102:Colloids; D008055:Lipids; D009823:Ointment Bases; C039909:eucerin