Silicone/hypochlorous acid gel

Silicone/hypochlorous acid gel (Epicyn) speeds wound healing, reduces infection risk, and leads to improved cosmetic results after skin procedures.

Benefits of silicone/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 infection (Gold 2017)
Benefits of silicone/hypochlorous acid vs silicone alone (Gold 2020)

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 organisms (Sakarya 2014)
  • 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 regrowth (Sakarya 2014)

How to apply

  • Clean the affected area
  • Cover the affected skin with a thin layer of Epicyn and massage in gently
  • Allow the silicone hydrogel to air dry
  • Repeat 3 times daily for best results

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

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

Also known as

Epicyn

Conditions treated

Usual dosage

Route of administration:

topical

Dosage:

Apply
N/A
gel
three times daily

How to take

Epicyn can be applied directly to an open wound or intact skin. The wound or skin should be gently cleaned and allowed to dry before application. Using an applicator, smear a thin film of gel over the surface of the wound. Allow the Epicyn to dry. Make-up or sunscreen can be gently applied over the top of the Epicyn film.

Warnings

Pregnancy

This drug has been taken by many pregnant women and women of childbearing age without an increase in the frequency of malformations or other direct or indirect harmful effects on the foetus having been observed.

Breastfeeding

It's safe to take this drug while breastfeeding

Food

This medication may be taken with or without food

Alcohol

Drug interactions

References

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
https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.12330
Date accessed:
Mar 14, 2021
.
Sakarya S, Gunay N, Karakulak M et al
Hypochlorous Acid: an ideal wound care agent with powerful microbicidal, antibiofilm, and wound healing potency.
Wounds. 2014 Dec;26(12):342-50
https://www.hmpgloballearningnetwork.com/site/wounds/article/hypochlorous-acid-ideal-wound-care-agent-powerful-microbicidal-antibiofilm-and-wound-healing
Date accessed:
Jul 26, 2021
.
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
https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.13280
Date accessed:
Aug 21, 2021
.