Topical Scar Treatment Products for Wounds: A Systematic Review

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#administration-topical #cicatrix #ethanolamines #humans #nonprescription-drugs

Topical Scar Treatment Products for Wounds: A Systematic Review

Tran et al., 2020 | Dermatol Surg | Systematic Review

Citation

Tran Benjamin, Wu Jashin J, ... Han George. Topical Scar Treatment Products for Wounds: A Systematic Review. Dermatol Surg. 2020-Dec;46(12):1564-1571. doi:10.1097/DSS.0000000000002712

Abstract

BACKGROUND: There is an increasing number of over-the-counter topical products that are said to prevent pathologic scar formation and improve scar cosmesis. However, robust clinical data are lacking to substantiate these claims and to guide selection of topical products. OBJECTIVE: To determine the effectiveness of topical scar management products, including silicone gel, Allium cepa onion extract, vitamin E, trolamine, and microporous tape. METHODS AND MATERIALS: A PubMed search (2005-2019) was performed to identify studies of topical scar management products. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs), quasi-RCTs, meta-analyses, and controlled clinical trials were included for analysis. RESULTS: A total of 34 trials were included in this study. Of the 16 trials investigating silicone gel sheets, numerous high-quality RCTs found that silicone gel sheets and silicone gels significantly improved scar outcomes. Only a limited number of studies supported the effectiveness of onion extract, vitamin E, trolamine, and microporous tape products. CONCLUSION: Silicone gel products are an effective noninvasive treatment to prevent formation of pathologic scars and improve mature scars. Further high-quality studies are needed to elucidate the long-term effectiveness of these therapies.

Key Findings

A total of 34 trials were included in this study. Of the 16 trials investigating silicone gel sheets, numerous high-quality RCTs found that silicone gel sheets and silicone gels significantly improved scar outcomes. Only a limited number of studies supported the effectiveness of onion extract, vitamin E, trolamine, and microporous tape products.

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size 34
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Administration, Topical
  • Cicatrix
  • Ethanolamines
  • Humans
  • Nonprescription Drugs
  • Onions
  • Plant Extracts
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
  • Silicone Gels
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Vitamin E
  • Wound Healing

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Systematic Review
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Systematic Review
  • Vertical: vitamin-e

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09