Apply Cica-Care to a clean, dry, healed scar with a 1cm overlap, gradually increasing wear time from 4 hours to 24 hours daily over 14 days.
Most people slap a silicone sheet on a scar and wonder why it slides off by noon. To use Cica Care correctly, start with a clean, dry surface and follow a gradual build-up over two weeks — the sheet goes on for 4 hours the first day, not 24. Smith & Nephew’s official protocol is precise: increase in steady increments until you wear it around the clock, and the scar starts to flatten and fade over the next two to four months.
What Is Cica-Care and What Scars Does It Treat?
Cica-Care is a medical-grade silicone gel sheet made by Smith & Nephew. It targets red, raised hypertrophic and keloid scars — the bumpy, discolored kind that often remain after surgery, burns, scalds, or plastic surgery. The gel layer hydrates the scar tissue and gradually flattens it out.
One firm rule: the scar must be fully healed before you apply the sheet. Using it on an open cut, a weeping wound, or infected skin traps bacteria and will worsen the area, not improve it. Cica-Care also comes in a liquid gel pump format, but this article covers the adhesive sheet version, which stays in place for extended wear and works well on larger or more stubborn scars.
How to Apply Cica-Care Silicone Gel Sheet (Step-by-Step)
The manufacturer’s instructions are exact, and skipping any step usually means the sheet will not stick. Here is the sequence from the official Smith & Nephew Cica-Care product page.
Step 1: Prepare the Scar and Hands
Wash your hands with mild soap before touching the sheet or the scar. Gently clean the scar and the surrounding skin with a mild, non-oily soap and warm water. Rinse thoroughly and pat the area completely dry with a lint-free towel. Any moisture, lotion, or oil left on the skin will block the adhesive from bonding.
Step 2: Cut the Sheet to Size
Peel the lid from the tray and remove the gel sheet. Cut a piece that covers the entire scar plus about 1 cm of overlap onto the surrounding healthy skin. Keep the removal flap on the printed plastic sheet attached to your cut piece — you will need it for handling. Store the unused portion back in the tray and reseal it.
Step 3: Remove the Printed Plastic Sheet
Peel away the printed plastic backing to expose the adhesive side of the gel. The sheet is now ready to apply.
Step 4: Apply Without Stretching
Place the adhesive side down onto the scar. Do not stretch the gel as you lay it down — stretching creates constant tension that irritates the skin and weakens adhesion. If the scar sits on a joint or a curved area, secure the sheet with a light conforming bandage such as Coban or Tubigrip, or use medical tape like OPSITE FLEXIFIX. If the sheet pulls or feels tight, remove it and reapply with less tension.
The Cica-Care Acclimatization Schedule
Your skin needs time to get used to the adhesive. Jumping straight to 24-hour wear causes redness, itching, and a sheet that peels off early. Follow this step-up schedule from the official guidelines.
| Wear Period | Hours Per Day | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Days 1–2 | 4 hours | Day or night, whichever is easier |
| Days 3–4 | 8 hours | Increase as skin tolerates |
| Days 5–6 | 10 hours | Can be split into two wear sessions |
| Days 7–8 | 12 hours | Minimum therapeutic threshold |
| Days 9–10 | 14 hours | Extend overnight if possible |
| Days 11–12 | 16 hours | Most of the day and night |
| Day 14 onward | 24 hours | Remove briefly for cleaning twice daily |
If your skin becomes red or itchy at any stage, drop back to the previous step and hold there for an extra day before moving up again. Wearing the sheet for at least 12 hours a day is the minimum for visible results; 24 hours is optimal.
How to Clean and Maintain Your Cica-Care Sheet
A dirty sheet loses stickiness and can irritate the scar. Clean it twice a day — once in the morning and once at night — every time you remove it.
- Wash the adhesive side with a mild non-oily soap and warm water.
- Rinse thoroughly so no soap residue remains.
- Dry the sheet with a lint-free towel or let it air-dry. Paper towels and kitchen cloths stick to the gel and ruin it.
- Store the clean sheet against the original printed plastic backing or in a sealed bag at room temperature. Do not keep it in the bathroom — humidity breaks down the adhesive.
Replace the sheet when it no longer feels sticky after cleaning, or at the 28-day mark, whichever comes first. Some sources suggest a piece lasts longer, but the manufacturer’s official guidance recommends replacement around four weeks for best adhesion and hygiene.
Common Mistakes That Reduce Cica-Care Results
Even with flawless application, a few errors can undermine the treatment.
| Mistake | Why It Fails | Correct Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Applying moisturizer before the sheet | Cream blocks the adhesive bond | Apply to bare, clean, dry skin only |
| Using oily soap or detergent to clean the sheet | Residue weakens adhesion and irritates skin | Use only mild, non-oily soap |
| Stretching the sheet during application | Friction causes redness and blisters | Lay it flat without pulling |
| Wearing the sheet less than 12 hours a day | Insufficient exposure for visible results | Aim for at least 12 hours, ideally 24 |
How Long Until You See Results?
Silicone gel sheets work slowly. The earliest changes — lighter color and softer texture — usually appear after 2 to 4 months of consistent daily wear. Flattening of raised scars takes longer; some hypertrophic scars need 6 months or more before they smooth out fully. Consistency matters more than total hours: a sheet worn for 12 hours most days will outperform one worn for 24 hours sporadically. If you miss a day, just resume the schedule where you left off — do not double the wear time to catch up.
If you are weighing Cica-Care against other silicone scar products, our roundup of the best cica products for scar care compares the top options for different scar types and budgets.
Your Cica-Care Wear Schedule at a Glance
Daily Routine
- Wash hands and clean the scar with mild soap.
- Dry both thoroughly with a lint-free towel.
- Wash the sheet with mild soap and rinse well.
- Pat the sheet dry or air-dry it.
- Reapply the sheet to the scar without stretching.
Build-Up Schedule
- Days 1–2: 4 hours
- Days 3–4: 8 hours
- Days 5–6: 10 hours
- Days 7–8: 12 hours
- Days 9–10: 14 hours
- Days 11–12: 16 hours
- Day 14+: 24 hours (clean twice daily)
Replacement & Storage
- Replace the sheet at 28 days or when it loses stickiness
- Store unused sheets in their sealed tray at room temperature
- Keep the active sheet on the printed plastic backing between uses
FAQs
Can I wear Cica-Care on an open wound?
No. Cica-Care must only be applied to fully healed scars with intact skin. Using it on an open cut, a weeping surgical site, or infected skin increases the risk of irritation and bacterial growth. Wait until the wound has closed completely before starting treatment.
Does Cica-Care work on old, flat scars?
Results are slower on mature scars that are more than a year old. The silicone sheet works best on newer, red, raised scars where the tissue is still actively remodeling. Older flat scars see less dramatic improvement, though some hydration benefit is still possible with consistent use.
Can I cut Cica-Care into smaller pieces?
Yes. Cut the sheet to fit the scar shape with a 1 cm overlap on each side. Make sure each cut piece retains a portion of the removal flap from the printed plastic backing so you can handle it without touching the adhesive directly.
How do I stop the sheet from peeling off at night?
Secure the sheet with a light conforming bandage or medical tape if it sits on a joint or curved area. Also check that you are not applying moisturizer before the sheet — residual oil is the most common cause of nighttime peeling. Clean the scar and sheet before every reapplication.
References & Sources
- WoundSource. “Cica-Care Silicone Gel Sheet.” Product overview and usage summary.
- Smith & Nephew. “Cica-Care Silicone Gel Sheet Official Product Page.” Manufacturer documentation and step-by-step instructions.
- Community Living BC. “Cica-Care Scar Management.” Patient guide with acclimatization schedule and safety notes.
Mo Maruf
I created WellFizz to bridge the gap between vague wellness advice and actionable solutions. My mission is simple: to decode the research and give you practical tools you can actually use.
Beyond the data, I am a passionate traveler. I believe that stepping away from the screen to explore new environments is essential for mental clarity and physical vitality.