What should you know about silicone gel sheets for old scars?

A silicone sheet creates a flexible covering over healed skin. This can reduce water loss and friction while providing gentle, continuous contact with the scar. The approach is most relevant to scars that are raised, firm, itchy, or darker than nearby skin. Flat, pale scars may change less. Old scars can still be assessed, but their texture and colour may be more established, so the response is difficult to predict.

Use silicone only after the wound surface has fully closed. It is not a treatment for an open area, active infection, or unexplained skin lump.

Wash and dry the skin, trim the sheet so it covers the scar with a small margin, and apply it according to the product instructions. Build up wear time if the skin is sensitive, and wash both the skin and reusable sheet as directed. Stop if you develop a spreading rash, blistering, marked soreness, or broken skin. A clinician can suggest another approach when a scar remains raised, painful, or restrictive; options may include [Scar Revision Surgery](/treatments/surgical-dermatology/scar-revision-surgery/).

Arrange a medical assessment if the scar is growing beyond the original injury, bleeds, ulcerates, becomes hot or drains, or changes quickly. Seek care sooner for severe pain, facial swelling, or difficulty moving a nearby joint. These features need assessment rather than home treatment alone.

Ask whether the scar is hypertrophic, a keloid, or another type of skin change; how long to trial silicone; and what to do if adhesive irritates the surrounding skin.