Choosing a contact media product

When you come to choose a contact media product, your decision will be based on:

• time to healing - silicone products are recommended for wounds taking 21 days or longer to heal [16]
• area of scarring
• scar activity and rate of scar formation: silicone products are recommended for immature scars only [16]
• skin sensitivity: silicone gels are recommended for children who are considered to have a greater risk of an adverse reaction [16]
• perception of the scar as determined by scar assessment/discussion with child and family
• ability to combine contact media with other scar interventions (ie pressure garment).
• child/family factors including:
  • skin tolerance for silicone product
  • ease of use
  • likely adherence
  • developmental stage of the child and knowledge of the child’s function and movements.

Please view the following table for more information on contact media products.