Article Review: Use of Paper Tape for Scars

Use of Paper Tape for Scars (What is scar tape?)

O’Reilly, S, Crofton, E., Brown, J., Strong, J., & Ziviani, J. (2021).  Use of tape for the 

management of hypertrophic scar development: A comprehensive review. Scars, Burns & 

Healing, 7, 1–17 DOI: 10.1177/20595131211029206

paper tape for scars

The Skinny

The authors looked to do a review of the current literature published on the use of paper tape for scars management.   The theory for the utilization of tape is to reduce mechanical forces that cause excessive scarring.  While the physiological rationale for paper taping and scar management is not fully understood, it is a low-cost, simple intervention for scar management.  

In the Weeds 

Databases were searched using key terms.  After reviewing several studies, nine studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the final analysis.  Within a total of 9 studies,  a total of 402 participants with 425 scars were evaluated.  

The articles were appraised utilizing the modified Downs and Black checklist and the modified Critical Appraisal Skill Program depending upon the study type.  

Studies were included if the tape was utilized to prevent scarring after surgical procedures that used linear incisions (scar healing tape).  

paper tape for scars

Bringing it home 

The review concluded that paper tape is an effective intervention in reducing scarring and should be used early in the intervention process if possible and during the wound remodeling phase (paper tape scar treatment). Subjectively, the paper tape also showed the be effective in the mature scar as well. 

The tapes with no stretch, such as  Micropore™ and/or Steri Strips™, mainly were used to assist with linear closer also was proven to be helpful with reducing skin tension and appear to have a positive effect on scar management.  

Rating (4/5)

This review was nicely done and showed nine different studies with a high number of participants.  Of course, the homogeneity across studies in the review is always difficult to assess.  The authors did an excellent job of reviewing and grouping the articles.  Another potential downside is some of the outcomes studied were subjective reports by the patient. 

The outcome measures for scar measurement are somewhat limited.  

The studies reviewed were from several different, but only the ones done in  English were utilized, limiting other studies that might have been done in other languages.  

The article is available for open access, so if you are interested in more specifics, is it easily accessible.  

2 Comments

  1. Rosenda on October 18, 2021 at 6:34 am

    This seems great. I would love to include it in my practice. I would very much like this article.

    • Miranda Materi on November 12, 2021 at 12:22 am

      If you type in the citation on your search engine the article will come up

Leave a Comment






More To Read

EDS and Hand Therapy

April 5, 2020

The Amazing Zebras—No Two Zebras Are Alike Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome: A Unique Condition By: Brittany Carrie Zebras are a unique species in that they are a horse-like creature comprised of beautiful black and white stripes. These stripes, which still remain a mystery on their said purpose, are unique in their own way as no two zebras…

Read More

Surgical vs. Conservative Treatment for Pediatric Trigger Finger

July 30, 2023

Jia, L., King, J. D., Goubeaux, C., Belardo, Z. E., Little, K. J., Samora, J. B., Marks, J., &Shah, A. S. (2023). Presentation and management of the pediatric trigger finger: Amulticenter retrospective cohort study. The Journal of Hand Surgery, 48(7), 665–672.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhsa.2023.03.015 Article Review: Kelsy Melton The Skinny: The goal of this study conducted by King…

Read More

Comparison of Custom-made Versus Prefabricated Thumb Splinting for Carpometacarpal Arthrosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

May 7, 2022

Baradaran, A., Baradaran, A., Ebrahimzadeh, M. H., Kachooei, A. R., Rivlin, M., & Beredjiklian, P. (2018). Comparison of Custom-made Versus Prefabricated Splint for Carpometacarpal Arthrosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. The archives of bone and joint surgery, 6(6), 478–485. Article Review By: Dalton Busch The Skinny – A systematic review and meta-analysis were composed to…

Read More
Envelope_1

Sign-up to Get Updates Straight to Your Inbox!

Sign up with us and we will send you regular blog posts on everything hand therapy, notices every time we upload new videos and tutorials, along with handout, protocols, and other useful information.