Scab Myths Scuppered by Savlon

A recent survey conducted by Redshift Research and commissioned by Savlon found that three quarters (75%) of mums in the UK believe that the best way to heal their children's minor wounds is to allow a dry scab to form. However, this is not the case. In a recent study a group of leading European experts recommend that keeping the wound moist is not only the best way to heal a wound quickly, but also reduces the likelihood of scarring (1).

Studies have shown that when a minor wound is kept moist, it repairs itself up to 40 per cent faster than if it were left to dry out and a scab is allowed to form (2).

With 60 per cent of six to eleven year olds getting an average of almost 50 cuts and scrapes each year (3), mums want to be sure they are doing everything they can to heal the wound and reduce the amount of scarring their children are left with – even though this might disappoint kids who like to show off their 'war wounds'!

It seems that the majority of mums surveyed are still under the impression that a dry scab is a good sign whilst only 8 per cent are wise to the fact that keeping the wound moist is the best way to heal their child's cut or graze. A further one in five were confused about which route was best.

So with over half (58%) of mums surveyed being concerned about their child being left with scars from everyday cuts and grazes, Savlon wants to dispel the myth that scabs are good and educate consumers that actually the best way to heal a minor wound is to keep it moist.

That is why Savlon has developed Savlon Advanced Healing Gel. Voted product of the year 2009 (4), it can be used throughout the healing process to actively aid faster healing, soothe pain with its cooling effect and reduce the likelihood of scarring. It works in a similar way to a greenhouse - by creating a moist environment over the wound, optimal healing conditions are achieved and the wound takes less time to heal. It is also less likely to leave a scar, compared to when the wound is left to dry out and a scab is allowed to form. Containing a unique hydrocolloid formula, Savlon Advanced Healing Gel brings hospital technology to the high street.

"Moist healing has been around since the 1960's but it is still a relatively new concept to consumers, which is why we have worked with this group of experts, including tissue viability expert Professor Richard White from the University of Worcester, to put together guidelines on the treatment of acute minor wounds. We want to let consumers know about the most effective treatments available for themselves and their family" says the Savlon Brand Manager.

Nurse Kathleen McGrath explains: "It is so important that the reasons why a moist environment is beneficial to wound healing are understood so that everyone can benefit from rapid wound healing with a reduced risk of infection and scarring. By managing the wound's moisture levels, a hard scab is less likely to form, allowing the wound to not only heal quickly but also to reduce the chance of scarring."

Savlon is the UK's leading antiseptic first aid brand (5) and has been providing parents with everything they need to treat their child's minor injuries at home for over 50 years. In fact, the little blue tube of Savlon Antiseptic Cream is used and trusted by more families than any other antiseptic cream, to soothe any sore area from cuts and grazes to blisters and burns and to help prevent infection (6).

Today, Savlon continues to lead the way in developing a range of products to cleanse, treat, heal and protect and uses the latest scientific research to bring hospital technology to the high street. The latest addition, Savlon Advanced Healing Gel is sure to become a medicine cabinet essential for every family.

For further information about Savlon Advanced Healing Gel or other Savlon products visit www.savlon.co.uk

- Ends -


For further press information or images please contact the Novartis Press Office on:
020 7878 3133 or novartisconsumerhealth@mslpr.co.uk

Notes to Editor:

* Available in a 50g tube, Savlon Advanced Healing Gel is priced at £3.91 (RRP)
* For more information on the Savlon range please visit www.savlon.co.uk


1. 'Guidelines for the treatment of acute minor wounds: A consensus by leading European Experts', Alves et al, published in the UK June 2009

2. Experiences with biosynthetic dressings. J Am Acad Dermatol 12: 434-440. Eaglstein WH (1985)

3. All statistics quoted are from the Savlon research carried our by Redshift with 1005 respondents, June 2009

4. Voted Product of the Year in the Kid's Health Care category by a survey of 12,026 people by TNS

5. IRI total first aid market value sales data, 52 weeks to 18th April 2009

6. IRI antiseptic cream market value sales data, 52 weeks to 18th April 2009


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