Hydrocolloid dressings can be used to treat hypertrophic scars: An outpatient dermatology service devoted to treat keloids and challenging scars

Since we first described the rationale for the use of hydrocolloid dressings to treat keloids and hypertrophic scars, this technique has been used as an occlusive therapy alternative to the use of silicone sheets in our outpatient clinic. In this paper, we describe the use of these dressings on two patients with challenging scars: a large postburn hypertrophic scar on a young patient's hand and arm, with a growing keloid on the wrist, and a progressive scar on the lower eyelid, developing after a complication of a cosmetic blepharoplasty procedure, leading to ectropium. The methods on the proper use of these dressings are reviewed here in detail. Larger clinical trials are needed to further evaluate this technique in the treatment of hypertrophic scars and keloids.