Enhancing scar appearance: Results from a cosmetic clinical study on dexpanthenol‐containing silicone gel and massage ball in adults and children
Erwan Peltier, Raffaella de Salvo, Natascha Hennighausen, Katrin UnbereitAbstract
Objective
To evaluate changes in scar appearance and tolerability associated with 8 weeks of use of a test product comprising a topical dexpanthenol‐containing silicone gel with an integrated massage ball in individuals with existing immature hypertrophic scars.
Methods
This was a prospective monocentric, open‐label, exploratory, single‐arm, in‐use study with intra‐individual comparison, which enrolled 55 participants with hypertrophic scars aged 1–12 months. Participants massaged the scar with the test product's integrated massage ball prior to applying the dexpanthenol‐containing silicone gel twice daily for 8 weeks. Scar appearance was assessed at baseline and at Day 57 using the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS), supported by clinical photography, instrumental skin measurements and a participant questionnaire.
Results
After 8 weeks, a statistically significant improvement in overall scar appearance was observed, as reflected by a reduction in the total POSAS score. Improvements were reported by both observers and participants across multiple scar parameters, including thickness, pliability and relief. Instrumental assessments supported these findings, including a reduction in scar thickness. The product was well tolerated, with no product‐related adverse reactions, and participants reported high overall satisfaction.
Conclusion
Under the study conditions, the test product was associated with improvements in the appearance of existing immature hypertrophic scars and was well tolerated in a population comprising both adults and children. These findings support its potential utility in topical scar management, including in pediatric populations.