Flexible Elastomer Molds in Burn Scar Control

Abstract

Burn scar hypertrophies and contractures have responded well to pressure techniques with pressure gradient burn garments except over soft tissue areas and concave body areas such as the axilla, hand, clavicle, neck, and face. Although these areas represent only 20 percent of the body area, when scarred from burns they pose perplexing functional and esthetic problems. Rigid splints and face masks have been used but their rigidity makes them uncomfortable for long-term wear. Silastic^R Medical Elastomer molds have proved highly successful in these areas when worn under pressure garments. They are flexible and of definite shape. The elastomer molds fill the concave gapping so that consistent definitive pressure can be maintained and scar hypertrophies prevented.