CICA CARE

Scars are a natural part of healing, but some scars do not settle the way we hope. Hypertrophic scars and keloid scars, those that thicken, raise, or spread beyond the original wound, can be uncomfortable, itchy, and a source of real distress about appearance. Silicone gel sheet therapy is a clinically established approach to managing these scars. CICA-CARE is a self-adhesive silicone gel sheet from Smith & Nephew designed to be worn over a scar for extended daily contact. It is reusable, washable, and available in two sheet sizes across three pack configurations. No prescription is required.

CICA-CARE is a regulated medical device from Smith & Nephew. It is a sheet of medical grade silicone gel with a self-adhesive surface that holds the sheet against the scar without additional fixation on most skin sites. The sheet is worn daily for extended periods, typically at least 12 hours a day over a course of weeks to months and washed and reused after each session.

Silicone gel sheets are one of the most widely studied non invasive interventions for hypertrophic and keloid scar management. A hypertrophic scar is a raised, thickened scar that remains within the boundaries of the original wound. A keloid scar extends beyond those boundaries and continues to grow. Both types can cause itching, tightness, and discomfort, and their appearance can affect how people feel about the skin area involved.

CICA-CARE is intended for use on established closed scars, not on open wounds. The scar must be fully closed and healed before the sheet is applied. It can be used on scars of various origins, including surgical incisions, burns, injuries, and skin conditions that have left raised or thickened scarring. Clinical evidence for silicone gel sheet therapy supports its use for both prevention and management of hypertrophic and keloid scars.

CICA-CARE is available in two sheet sizes across three pack configurations: 15cm x 12cm in a single sheet pack, 15cm x 12cm in a ten sheet pack, and 12cm x 6cm in a three sheet pack. The 15cm x 12cm sheet can be cut to size to fit the scar. The 12cm x 6cm sheet is suited to smaller or more localised scar areas.

CICA-CARE is for use on closed, fully healed scars only. Do not apply to open wounds, broken skin, recently closed surgical incisions that have not yet fully healed, or inflamed skin. Allow any wound to close completely before beginning CICA-CARE therapy. If the skin beneath the sheet becomes irritated or breaks down, remove the sheet and allow the skin to recover before restarting.

Occlusion and Hydration

The primary mechanism by which silicone gel sheets influence scar development is through occlusion. When the sheet is worn against the scar, it creates a sealed, moist microenvironment at the skin surface. The stratum corneum, the outermost layer of the skin, retains more moisture beneath the sheet than it would when exposed to air. This increased hydration is thought to regulate the activity of fibroblast cells in the scar tissue. Fibroblasts are responsible for producing collagen, and their activity is reduced in a well-hydrated environment. Over time, reduced fibroblast activity leads to less collagen deposition, which can result in a flatter, softer, and less raised scar.

Silicone and the Scar Environment

Silicone is a biologically inert material that does not interact chemically with skin tissue. The gel sheet does not release any active ingredient into the scar. Its clinical effect is physical rather than pharmacological, the sheet modifies the local environment of the scar through occlusion and moisture retention. This is why daily wear time matters: the longer the sheet is worn each day, the more consistently the scar is kept in the modified environment that supports the remodelling process.

Duration of Therapy

Silicone gel sheet therapy for hypertrophic and keloid scars is a course of treatment measured in weeks to months rather than days. Clinical studies supporting the use of silicone gel sheets typically involve periods of two to three months of consistent daily use, with some protocols continuing for longer. Patience and consistent use throughout the course is important for the therapy to have its intended effect.

Starting Out

• Ensure the scar is fully closed and the skin is intact before beginning. Do not begin therapy on an open or unhealed wound.
• Wash the scar area gently and dry it thoroughly before applying the sheet.
• The skin should be clean and free from creams, oils, or lotions before application, as these may prevent the sheet from adhering.

Applying the Sheet

• The 15cm x 12cm sheet can be cut to a size and shape that covers the scar closely. Cut the sheet on a clean surface using clean scissors.
• Place the adhesive side of the sheet directly against the scar.
• Smooth the sheet down gently, working from the centre outward to avoid trapping air.
• CICA-CARE is self-adhesive on most skin sites. Additional tape may be needed on areas subject to movement.

Daily Wear and Care

• Wear the sheet for a minimum of 12 hours per day. Longer daily wear, where practical, supports the therapy.
• Remove the sheet to wash it at least once daily. Use mild soap and water, rinse thoroughly, and allow to air dry.
• Allow the skin beneath the sheet to breathe and be washed daily before reapplying.
• Store the sheet in its protective cover when not being worn.

Duration

• Continue therapy for a minimum of two to three months for hypertrophic scars, or as directed by a healthcare professional.
• Keloid scars may require longer treatment periods.
• Replace the sheet when it loses its adhesion, becomes discoloured, or shows visible wear.

If the skin beneath the CICA-CARE sheet becomes red, itchy, or broken, remove the sheet and allow the skin to fully recover before restarting. If skin problems persist, seek advice from a GP or dermatologist before continuing. Some initial itching or skin sensitivity during the first days of use can be normal as the skin adjusts to the occlusive environment. If this is mild and resolves, therapy can continue.

CICA-CARE 15cm x 12cm - Single Sheet (Pack of 1)

One 15cm x 12cm silicone gel sheet. The sheet can be cut to fit the scar. This configuration is suited to trialling CICA-CARE for a new scar or a single treatment area, or for patients who prefer to purchase individual sheets and replace them as needed during a course of therapy.

CICA-CARE 15cm x 12cm - Pack of 10

Ten 15cm x 12cm silicone gel sheets in one pack. Suited to patients beginning a planned course of therapy who wish to have a sufficient supply of sheets from the outset. Each sheet is reusable and washable for multiple sessions before requiring replacement. The pack of ten provides ongoing supply across a treatment course of several months, reducing the need for frequent individual purchases.

CICA-CARE 12cm x 6cm - Pack of 3

Three 12cm x 6cm silicone gel sheets. This smaller sheet size is suited to more localised scar areas, smaller scars, or scar sites where the 15cm x 12cm sheet would extend significantly beyond the scar onto unaffected skin. The pack of three provides a small stock of this size for use as needed.

All three configurations contain the same medical grade self-adhesive silicone gel. The choice between them is based on scar size and how much stock the patient wishes to have at one time.

Do Not Use CICA-CARE If

• The scar is not fully closed or the wound is still healing.
• The skin is broken, inflamed, or infected at the treatment site.
• There is a known sensitivity to silicone or any component of the sheet.

Precautions

• Keep the sheet clean. Wash at least once daily with mild soap and water.
• Do not use over active skin infections or skin conditions in a flare.
• Check the skin beneath the sheet daily when removing for cleaning.
• In children, use under adult supervision and seek clinical guidance before beginning therapy.

Adverse Effects

• Mild skin irritation, redness, or itching in the first days of use as the skin adjusts to the occlusive environment. Usually resolves with continued use.
• Skin maceration if the sheet is not removed for daily cleaning or if worn on skin that retains high moisture.
• Contact dermatitis in patients with silicone sensitivity.

Suitable Conditions and Patients

• Hypertrophic scars on closed healed skin - raised, thickened scars within the original wound boundary
• Keloid scars - scars that extend beyond the original wound boundary and may continue to enlarge
• Post surgical scars, burn scars, injury scars, and other raised or thickened scars on closed healed skin
• Adults and children under adult supervision and where clinically appropriate
• Patients in a planned programme of scar management, whether self directed or under clinical guidance

Scars and Wellbeing

Living with a visible or uncomfortable scar is an experience that affects people in different ways. Some find it a minor inconvenience. For others, particularly when a scar is in a prominent location or is a reminder of a difficult experience, the emotional impact can be significant. Choosing to address a scar with a clinically supported therapy like CICA-CARE is a positive step and doing so patiently and consistently gives the therapy the best chance to work.

CICA-CARE Gel Sheet is a regulated medical device and does not require a prescription. All three pack configurations are available from Pharmacy Planet without a clinical consultation.

Our pharmacists can advise on which pack configuration best suits the scar being treated and the length of therapy planned.

For complex scars, extensive keloid scarring, or scars associated with a significant medical history, a dermatologist or GP can provide guidance on whether CICA-CARE is appropriate and how to incorporate it into a broader scar management plan.

• Store unused sheets in their original sealed packaging until needed.
• Store below 25°C away from direct heat and sunlight.
• After washing, allow the sheet to dry completely before returning it to its protective backing.
• Store washed sheets in their protective cover when not in use.
• Do not fold the sheet tightly as this may damage the silicone structure.
• Replace the sheet when it no longer adheres reliably or shows significant wear.
• Check the expiry date before use.
• Keep out of reach of children.

Pharmacy Planet is a GPhC registered online pharmacy. All three CICA-CARE pack configurations are genuine Smith & Nephew products stocked through regulated UK supply chains.

Our pharmacists are available to advise on scar management approaches and can help you select the pack configuration that suits your treatment needs.

References

1. Smith & Nephew. CICA-CARE Gel Sheet — Instructions for Use. Smith & Nephew. https://www.smith-nephew.com. Accessed May 2026.
2. Gold MH et al. Updated international clinical recommendations on scar management: part 1 - evaluating the evidence. Dermatol Surg. 2014;40(8):817-824. Referenced May 2026.
3. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. Scar management: overview of non-surgical interventions. https://www.nice.org.uk. Accessed May 2026.
4. NHS. Scars — overview and management. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/scars. Accessed May 2026.