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

Creating an Action Plan for Addressing Mental Health in the Clinic

September 13, 2020

Blog By: Rachel Reed As hand therapists, our care for our patients must be driven by the goal of treating the whole person, not just their hand or injury (Hannah, 2011). Occupational therapy is a unique profession in which we are equipped to view our patients through a holistic lens. With this lens, we are…

Read More

3 Household Objects for 9 different Hand Therapy Activities

June 19, 2021

Do you struggle to develop new treatment ideas or even ideas for your virtual hand therapy visits?  Thinking of unique ways to use objects your clients have in their homes can be half the battle. This blog post presents 3 different ways to use 3 everyday items.  Item number 1: A tennis ball (hand therapy…

Read More

Scapholunate Wrist Injuries in Hand Therapy 

January 2, 2022

Scapholunate Wrist Injuries in Hand Therapy  In outpatient hand therapy, we get a variety of referrals ranging from post-operative patients to those looking to avoid or prolong surgery.  These referrals come from a variety of sources ranging from primary care doctors to experienced hand surgeons.  The therapy orders can be vague to very specific.   …

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.