FAQs for Dermatix Ultra
What is Dermatix™ Ultra?
Dermatix™ Ultra is a silicone gel treatment for new and older hypertrophic and keloid scars. It has been shown to flatten, soften and smooth scars and relieve the itching and discomfort of scars, as well as reduce the discoloration associated with scars.
Dermatix™ Ultra is available without a prescription through physician offices and online at www.dermatixultra.com.
What is Dermatix™ Ultra made of?
Dermatix™ Ultra is a patent pending proprietary formula containing three high quality silicone fluids, along with Cyclopentasiloxane and a unique patented Vitamin C ester. This gives it a silky texture and makes the formula quick drying. Children or adults can use Dermatix™ Ultra safely.
How does Dermatix™ Ultra work?
Essentially Dermatix™ Ultra dries to form a barrier against chemical, physical and microbial invasion of the scar site while assisting with hydration. This creates an environment, which allows better organization of the collagen and improves the physiological and cosmetic appearance of the scar. Scars largely develop because collagen deposition is more random during the healing stages.
How is Dermatix™ Ultra different from other scar treatment products?
Dermatix™ Ultra is effective, clinically tested and proven, convenient, fast-drying, painless and can be used on all skin types as well as on and around joints and bony areas.
How long will it take for a scar to improve with Dermatix™ Ultra?
The recommended minimum time is 60-90 days. Larger and older scars may take longer and continued use of Dermatix™ Ultra is recommended as long as improvement is seen.
How is Dermatix™ Ultra applied?
Always wait until the wound is healed or the wound site is closed. The affected area should be washed and dried thoroughly (usually twice per day). Dermatix Ultra should be applied as a thin film once, twice or as many times per day as recommended by the doctor. Once dry (about 3-4 minutes) you can cover with clothing or make-up.
On what types of scars is Dermatix™ Ultra effective?
Dermatix™ Ultra is intended for the management of old and new hypertrophic and keloid scars resulting from general surgical procedures, trauma, wounds and burns. Hypertrophic scars are confined to the original site of injury or surgery while keloids grow beyond the original site boundaries.
Although there are anecdotal reports of improvements in stretch marks, there are no studies to demonstrate this. Indented scars, like ‘ice pick’ scars, associated with acne are generally not responsive to silicone gel as they are not usually related to a proliferation or disorganization of collagen.
When can Dermatix™ Ultra treatment be started after surgery or injury?
Dermatix™ Ultra can be started after the stitches have been removed and the wound is closed.
Is Dermatix™ Ultra effective after laser skin resurfacing?
Silicone gels are sometimes used post-laser and may be effective in the reduction and elimination of erythema (redness) and itching associated with dermatological laser procedures. However, no studies to date have been completed with Dermatix™ Ultra and laser skin resurfacing.
Does Dermatix™ Ultra work on keloid and hypertrophic scars?
In several clinical and case studies Dermatix™ Ultra has been proven to flatten, soften, smooth and dramatically improve the discoloration noted with these types of scars.
What are the advantages of using Dermatix™ Ultra instead of silicone sheets?
Dermatix™ Ultra has all of the benefits of silicone sheeting without the problems. Sheeting has been associated with tape allergies, difficulty of use, and the potential for bacterial growth between the sheet and the skin. Sheeting can be awkward and uncomfortable and even impossible to use in certain body areas. Silicone gel is much more convenient to use than sheeting and yet is equivalent in results.
Are there any side effects associated with the use of Dermatix Ultra?
There have been no side effects observed with the use of Dermatix™ Ultra. There has been no irritation reported in studies and primary irritancy tests came out negative. Dermatix™ Ultra should not be applied to open or fresh wounds. Application to mucosa membranes or too close to eyes should be avoided. If redness, pain or irritation to skin occurs, consult your pharmacist or physician immediately.
Does Dermatix™ Ultra have any odor associated with it?
No, Dermatix™ Ultra is 100% odor-free.
What are the restrictions on the use of Dermatix™ Ultra?
It is for external use only. Direct contact with eyes, mucous membranes, third degree burns and open wounds should be avoided.
Will Dermatix™ Ultra help heal older scars, or just new scars?
Dermatix™ Ultra can help heal older scars as well as newer scars. Best results will occur when there is still healing taking place. Signs of healing include redness, itching, irritation, and continuing growth of a scar. If any of these signs are present, regardless of age of the scar, Dermatix™ Ultra may still improve the appearance of the scar.
Does Dermatix™ Ultra expire?
Silicone gels generally do not expire as long as you store it with the lid on. Microbials cannot grow n silicone gel. We have accelerated stability that indicates a 3-year shelf life and that stability is still ongoing.
How long will it take to see results?
The timing of results varies greatly from person to person, but there should be improvement within 90 days. Reduction of redness and itching are usually the first results noted.
Should patients continue to apply Dermatix™ Ultra after 90 days?
Dermatix™ Ultra should be applied as long as you are seeing positive changes.
Can I use Dermatix™ Ultra while taking medication?
Yes. Dermatix™ Ultra does not enter the bloodstream. It simply adheres to the surface of the skin, blocking potentially harmful bacteria.
How does Dermatix™ Ultra lighten scars?
It is thought Dermatix™ Ultra acts as a barrier to bacteria. It is the body's reaction to bacteria that causes the darkness/redness as it sends more blood (white blood cells) to the damaged site. When bacteria no longer penetrates the scar, the extra white blood cells are not needed and the color returns to normal.
Can Dermatix™ Ultra be used on eyelids like after Blepharoplasty?
Yes. However, Dermatix™ Ultra may cause the eyes to sting temporarily. This stinging will cause no harm. Dermatix™ Ultra should be applied to carefully avoid getting the product into the eyes themselves.
Can Dermatix™ Ultra be used on the lips?
Yes. Dermatix™ Ultra can safely be used on the lips, but not the inside of the mouth. It may need to be applied more frequently when used on the lips.