Silicone and hypochlorous acid gel

Surgical wounds are often treated with silicone gel to improve outcomes. Silicone/hypochlorous acid (commercially available as Epicyn) is a combination gel which, when applied to a healing wound, has a superior effect to plain silicone:

• Less pain.
• Less itch.
• Reduced redness.
• Softer and flatter scar.
• Lower rate of wound infection¹.

How does it work?

Silicone gel dries over the wound or scar, forming a film. This film helps prevent the wound from drying out (a cause of scarring) while still allowing oxygen to enter.

As the wound heals further, the silicone gel acts as a barrier to help prevent the scar from becoming raised.

Hypochlorous acid is produced naturally by the immune system as part of the wound healing process. It has multiple beneficial effects:

• Toxic to infecting organisms³.
• Reduces itch and inflammation.
• Breaks down biofilm, a a sticky layer of bacteria which can impair wound healing.
• Not toxic to fibroblasts or keratinocytes, which are required for skin regrowth².

How to use silicone and hypochlorous acid gel

Epicyn can be used at all stages of wound healing, even while there are still stitches in the wound, or if the wound is open. It can be used around the eyes, nose and mouth.

• Gently clean the affected area and allow it to dry
• Using an applicator (e.g. cotton tip),  smear a thin film of Epicyn over the surface of the wound
• Allow the Epicyn to air dry
• Repeat 2-3 times daily for best results

Once set, Epicyn can be covered with cosmetics, sunscreen or pressure garments.

Side effects and warnings

Epicyn silicone/hypochlorous acid gel is safe to use during pregnancy or breastfeeding. There are no known serious side effects of topical hypochlorous acid⁴.

References

1. Gold M H, Andriessen A, Dayan S H, Fabi S G, Lorenc ZP et al.  Hypochlorous acid gel technology– Its impact on postprocedure treatment and scar prevention.  Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. Volume16, Issue2. June 2017, pages 162-167.
2. Gold M, Andriessen A, Bhatia A et al.  Topical stabilized hypochlorous acid: The future gold standard for wound care and scar management in dermatologic and plastic surgery procedures.  J Cosmet Dermatol 2020 Feb; 19(2): 270-277.
3. Sakarya S, Gunay N, Karakulak M et al 2014. Hypochlorous Acid: an ideal wound care agent with powerful microbicidal, antibiofilm, and wound healing potency.  Wounds. 2014 Dec;26(12):342-50.
4. Jacob D, 2022. Hypochlorous acid topical. RxList.