References for CaxiDerm™

This content is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. No compounded medication or product is approved by the FDA for safety or efficacy.

The detailed article below was generated with assistance from Open Evidence AI. All AI-generated content is reviewed by our clinical team for accuracy.

General Information

Now scars have nowhere to hide

CaxiDerm™ is the first compounding base created for patients who want to improve the appearance of scars. Due to the base’s proprietary blend of ingredients, including silicones (in a semipermeable polymer network) and pracaxi oil (which is rich in skin-friendly fatty acids and lipids), it’s been helping patients with scars, including keloid and acne scars.

Benefits

• Appropriate in formulations for new or old scars

• Provides long-lasting moisturization, protecting the skin’s barrier and reducing water loss

• Promotes a soothing and nurturing environment

• Rich in skin-friendly fatty acids and lipids

Potential Uses

• All scars (including new, old, keloid, hypertrophic, surgical and acne)

• Stretch marks

• Burns

• Diabetic wounds

• Skin lightening

Formulated Without

• Gluten

• Casein

• Dye

• Parabens

Related Specialties

• Dermatology

• General Surgery

• Plastic Surgery

• Burn and Trauma

• Oncology

• Radiation Therapy

• General Practice

• Pediatrics

• Sports Medicine

CaxiDerm™ Easily Accommodates the Addition of Several Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients

• Hydroquinone 4%/Tretinoin 0.05%/Fluocinolone, Acetonide 0.01% Topical Gel

• Tretinoin 0.1% Topical Gel

• Verapamil HCl 10% Topical Gel

• Other options are available upon request

Frequently Asked Questions

• What percentage of silicone makes up CaxiDerm™?

  • CaxiDerm™ contains over 50% silicone in a low-viscosity elastomer dispersion network that offers an exceptional feel during application. This copolymer network uses a polymerization chemistry that differs from traditional silicone structurants.

• Is this base hypoallergenic?

  • CaxiDerm™ is nonirritating; however, it is not labeled as hypoallergenic.

• What is the maximum amount of water that CaxiDerm™ can hold?

  • CaxiDerm™ can hold up to 10% of water. However, with the addition of water the base would no longer be anhydrous, therefore the beyond-use-date would be limited.

• Can it be used as a protectant from bodily fluids such as diarrhea (at an ostomy site, for example)?

  • Yes, since it is silicone based.

• How soon after surgery can someone use CaxiDerm™?

  • The base itself can be used immediately, or as soon as the patient is instructed it is OK to remove bandages, or when sutures have been removed.

• Can CaxiDerm™ be used intra-vaginally?

  • Yes, but sparingly due to the silicones.

• Can it be used orally?

  • No. CaxiDerm™ should not be used in the mouth but can be used on the lips.

• Can it be used in wounds?

  • Yes.

• Can CaxiDerm™ be used by itself?

  • Yes, as a cosmetic. The unique combination of ingredients and innovative polymer network of CaxiDerm™ has been shown to improve the appearance of skin even when used without active ingredients.

AI Generated Article

Silicone-based products are considered first-line therapy for scar management in dermatology, with robust evidence supporting their use for preventing and treating hypertrophic scars and keloids.¹⁻³ The primary dermatological application is scar management, though the evidence base is strongest for this indication.

Scar Management: Hypertrophic Scars and Keloids

Silicone products (both gel sheets and topical gels) have been used since the early 1980s and demonstrate significant efficacy in improving scar outcomes.² A systematic review of 34 trials found that numerous high-quality randomized controlled trials showed silicone gel sheets and gels significantly improved scar outcomes compared to other topical treatments like onion extract, vitamin E, and trolamine.¹

Meta-analysis data confirms that topical silicone gel significantly reduces key scar parameters compared to placebo or no treatment: pigmentation (SMD = -0.55, P = .0002), height (SMD = -0.73, P < .00001), and pliability (SMD = -0.49, P = .04).⁴ Additionally, silicone therapy improves scar color, erythema, pain, and itching.² Both silicone gel sheets and topical gels demonstrate comparable effectiveness.⁴

Formulations and Practical Considerations

Silicone gel sheets (SGS) are composed of medical-grade cross-linked polydimethylsiloxane polymer with a silicone membrane backing, making them soft, flexible, and semi-occlusive.⁵ Topical silicone gels were developed to address areas where sheets are impractical, such as the scalp, joints, or face where cosmetic concerns exist.² Newer formulations combine silicone gel with hypochlorous acid for anti-inflammatory and biocidal effects.²

Optimal treatment typically requires application for at least 12 hours daily for 3-6 months.⁵ SGS can be reused until integrity is lost and should be washed daily.⁵ Treatment can begin once re-epithelialization is complete.⁵

Mechanism of Action

The mechanism involves hydration of the stratum corneum and modulation of cell signaling between fibroblasts and keratinocytes mediated by cytokines.² Silicone sheets decrease water evaporation and increase epidermal hydration.⁶ Effects are not mediated by pressure, oxygen tension changes, or silicone penetration into tissue.⁶

Evidence Quality Considerations

While silicone products are universally considered first-line therapy, a 2022 systematic review noted that many high-evidence trials have high risk of bias, and uncertainty remains about whether additional components in commercial silicone gels contribute to efficacy.³ Cochrane reviews have examined both hypertrophic scars and keloids specifically.⁵⁻⁶

References:

1. Topical Scar Treatment Products for Wounds: A Systematic Review. Dermatologic Surgery : Official Publication for American Society for Dermatologic Surgery. 2020. Tran B, Wu JJ, Ratner D, Han G.

2. Silicone Sheets and New Gels to Treat Hypertrophic Scars and Keloids: A Short Review. Dermatologic Therapy. 2020. de Oliveira GV, Gold MH.

3. The Use of Fluid Silicone Gels in the Prevention and Treatment of Hypertrophic Scars: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.Burns : Journal of the International Society for Burn Injuries. 2022. De Decker I, Hoeksema H, Verbelen J, et al.

4. Efficacy of Topical Silicone Gel in Scar Management: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomised Controlled Trials. International Wound Journal. 2020. Wang F, Li X, Wang X, Jiang X.

5. Silicone Gel Sheeting for Treating Keloid Scars. The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2023. Tian F, Jiang Q, Chen J, Liu Z.

6. Silicone Gel Sheeting for Treating Hypertrophic Scars. The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2021. Jiang Q, Chen J, Tian F, Liu Z.