Frequently asked questions
Find answers about Stratacel, its use and the information for your market.
About Stratacel
What is Stratacel?
Stratacel is a flexible wound dressing specifically designed for the repair of damaged or compromised skin following resurfacing procedures such as dermal abrasion, laser resurfacing and chemical peels.
How does Stratacel work?
Stratacel is a gel formulation. Stratacel dries to form a protective layer that is gas permeable and waterproof which hydrates and protects compromised skin areas and open wounds from chemical and microbial invasion.
On what types of wounds is Stratacel effective?
Stratacel was developed for use as a wound dressing for the repair of damaged or compromised skin following resurfacing procedures such as:
•Laser therapy (ablative and non-ablative), including tattoo removal
•Dermal abrasion
•Chemical peels
What are the ingredients? Does it have an odour?
All Stratpharma products are 100% silicones in the general forms as stated in our packaging. For example, Stratacel contains polydimethylsiloxanes, siloxanes and alkylmethyl silicones.
Stratacel contains no alcohols, parabens or fragrances and it is odorless.
Is there any sun protection in Stratacel?
No. After skin resurfacing procedures your skin is very sensitive for several weeks and sun exposure should be avoided. Sunscreen and cosmetics can be applied over Stratacel once it is dry.
What are the advantages of using Stratacel gel instead of physical wound dressings?
There are delicate areas where it is very difficult or impossible to use physical dressings:
• Areas with high mobility
• Areas with high friction
• Wet skin (mucosa), hindering adherence
Physical dressings including silicone dressings do not create a full contact surface as air bubbles form underneath. Delicate areas like the eyes, nostrils and lip contours remain exposed and subjected to irritation due to the adhesive tape.
Stratacel is a semi-occlusive wound dressing intended to cover a wound, to provide and support a moist wound environment, and to allow the exchange of gases such as oxygen and water vapor through the device.
Because Stratacel is a gel, it is easily applied to large exposed surface areas and contoured skin, like the face, neck and chest. Stratacel can be used with or without a secondary protective dressing.
Is Stratacel® effective on all skin types?
Stratacel is effective on all types of skin regardless of ethnicity.
Is Stratacel visible on my face?
No. Stratacel is a transparent wound dressing.
Application
When should I start using Stratacel?
You can start to apply Stratacel immediately post-procedure.
How often should I apply it?
Stratacel should be applied once daily, or twice daily to exposed areas or as required to maintain contact with the affected surface, or as advised by the physician.
Each time the wound is cleaned Stratacel should be reapplied. In any case, application of Stratacel is advised from the very beginning (i.e. after the cooling process or immediately after the procedure).
How long does Stratacel take to dry?
When applied correctly, Stratacel should be dry in 5-6 minutes. If it takes longer to dry you have probably applied too much. Gently remove the excess with a tissue and allow the drying process to continue.
How long should I continue treatment?
Stratacel is recommended for immediate treatment post-procedure and should be continued until the skin has fully recovered
For resurfacing and ablative procedures, continued use is recommended for a minimum treatment of 30 days or until no further improvement is seen.
Can I use a secondary dressing?
Because Stratacel is a gel, it is easily applied to large exposed surface areas and contoured skin, like the face, neck and chest. Stratacel can be used with or without a secondary protective dressing.
How do I open my tube?
On first use of 10g and 20g tubes remove the cap, cut the nozzle tip of the tube and close with the cap after use.
On 50g tubes remove the cap, then the protective seal and close with the cap after use.
Can Stratacel be used on eyelids?
Yes. One of the advantages of a primary dressing in the form of a gel like Stratacel is that the film can be distributed to cover the entire surface of the eyelid with precision. Stratacel should not be placed in contact with the eye as it may cause irritation.
Can Stratacel® be used on the lips?
Stratacel is suitable for use on the lips. Stratacel may need to be applied more frequently when used on the lips.
Can Stratacel be used in conjunction with other medications?
If an infection is present, have it treated prior to beginning your Stratacel treatment. Do not apply any other product underneath Stratacel. Applying medications on top of Stratacel will have no effect because, by design, it will not be able to pass through the Stratacel film.
How do you use Stratacel in the first few days after laser resurfacing when there is a lot of exudate and Stratacel may be washed away?
In heavily exudating wounds is recommended to apply Stratacel more frequently for the first 3-4 days when the wound produces a large amount of fluid and detritus is being removed. After this initial phase, we recommend a once per day application until the wound has healed.
Every time the wound is cleaned Stratacel should be reapplied. It is recommended to apply Stratacel from the very beginning (after the cooling process or immediately after the procedure).
Can the wound be washed when Stratacel was applied before?
Yes. The wound can get in contact with water but Stratacel will not protect it like a waterproof dressing. Gentle washing will remove Stratacel from open wounds.
Do I need to clean the wound and remove residual gel, if there is any, before another application of Stratacel?
The wound care protocol should not be changed and the normal wound cleaning procedures should be continued. It is not necessary to remove the residual Stratacel but the wound must be clean and dry before a new application.
What happens to the gel on the wound, does it disappear?
It does not disappear but it does eventually wear off. Stratacel is not absorbed by the wound or the body.
Safety
Is Stratacel suitable for sensitive skin?
Yes, Stratacel is completely biocompatible, inert and suitable for people with sensitive skin.
Can I use Stratacel during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
Stratacel may be used during pregnancy and while breastfeeding.
What should I do if irritation occurs?
If irritation occurs, discontinue use and consult your physician.
Can Stratacel be placed in contact with the eyes?
Stratacel should not be placed in contact with the eyes.
Is Stratacel sterile?
Yes, Stratacel is sterile until opened. However, Stratacel is bacteriostatic, it hinders bacteria from reproducing, while not necessarily harming them otherwise, making it suitable for use on open wounds or compromised skin.
Are there any side effects associated with the use of Stratacel?
There have been no side effects observed with the proper use of Stratacel®. The ingredients in Stratacel® are completely compatible with human biology. However, if redness, pain or skin irritation should occur, discontinue treatment and consult your physician.
Can I use Stratacel while taking medication?
Yes. Stratacel does not enter the bloodstream. It simply forms a film over the wound’s surface.
Will Stratacel damage my hair?
Stratacel will not damage your hair. No effects of Stratacel on hair have been recorded.
What do I do if Stratacel gets into my eyes?
Wash out your eyes with an eye wash solution or tap water. Most importantly use a generous amount of water to ensure Stratacel is completely flushed out of the eye. If irritation occurs consult your physician.
Are there any known allergies to Stratacel?
There are no known allergies to Stratacel. Stratacel is an inert, biocompatible and non-transdermal polymer. Irritation, sensitivity and acute toxicity testing was conducted and no adverse reactions have been noted.
Storage & stability
Does Stratacel have an expiry date? I cannot find this information on my tube.
Stratacel has an expiry date of five years after manufacturing. This date is imprinted on every box (side flap) and tube (end seal) in the format year-month (e.g. EXP 2018-09 or 13-09).
The expiry date does not change once the tube is opened.
What are the temperature limits for Stratacel?
Stratacel and our other products have been tested and validated to be unaffected by extreme temperature storage and transport, between -40° C and +70° C. (-40 to 158 Fahrenheit).
Where to buy
Where can I get Stratacel? Can I purchase it directly in my country?
You can order Stratacel from our online shop. Stratacel is also available in various countries. Please ask your local pharmacist.
I am interested in distributing Stratacel in my country. Whom may I contact to discuss a business relationship?
Please contact our sales department at www.stratpharma.com/contact.
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