GENERAL Information

Silicones are mixed inorganic-organic polymers with the chemical formula [R2SiO]n, where R is an organic group such as methyl, ethyl, or phenyl and include silicon together with carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, and sometimes other chemical elements. The degree of polymerization determines the physical properties and the consistency of the silicone. The consistency can vary from liquid to gel to rubber to hard plastic.  

Soft silicones make part of the large family of silicones. Soft silicones are soft and dry and can therefore be attached to dry surfaces.  

A soft silicone dressing is a dressing which is coated with a soft silicone; the silicone can be the wound contact layer or the adhesive layer. The intrinsic properties of the soft silicone allows a-traumatic dressing removal without any loss of epidermis of the surrounding skin or without harming newly formed tissues.  

Many different soft silicone dressings exist such as a-traumatic wound contact layers, absorbing dressings for exuding wounds and dressings for hypertrophic scars and keloids. 

Applications

Soft silicone dressings are mainly used in circumstances where optimal protection of fragile skin and newly formed tissues are needed. Patient comfort is crucial as well as a painless removal of the dressing.