Mederma is a topical product used to improve scar appearance. It is a gel based on an onion extract. Mederma is product of HRA Pharma, a division of Perrigo. A Mederma marketing claim is that the product can can make scars "softer, smoother, and less noticeable".[1]
Ownership
editThe Mederma brand was owned by Merz Pharma for over 20 years until its 2019 sale to HRA Pharma.[2] Perrigo then acquired HRA Pharma as a subsidiary in 2021.[3]
Effectiveness
editA 1999 pilot trial found an onion extract gel less effective than the petrolatum.[4]
A 2002 study published in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery examined the effectiveness of Mederma on hypertrophic scars on rabbit ears. It found no significant reduction in the size, height, or inflammation of scars. The only improvement was dermal collagen organization when compared to scars that were not treated with Mederma, thus suggesting that it may have a positive effect on the formation of raised scars.[5]
A 2006 clinical trial found no statistically significant change in hypertrophic scar appearance from products of this type compared to the standard petrolatum emollient.[6]
According to a 2011 Los Angeles Times article, "there were just two randomized comparison trials of Mederma, with a combined total of 38 participants. Neither trial found that Mederma improved the appearance of scars more than petroleum jelly".[7]
Ingredients
editActive
editInactive
editWater (purified), PEG 200, alcohol, xanthan gum, allium cepa (onion) bulb extract, lecithin, methylparaben, sorbic acid, panthenol, sodium hyaluronate, fragrance[8]
References
edit- ^ "All product Frequently Asked Questions: Does Mederma scar products make scars disappear?". Mederma.com. Retrieved March 19, 2023.
No product can make scars disappear completely. But Mederma can help them appear softer, smoother, and less noticeable.
- ^ "HRA Pharma To Acquire the Mederma Brand from Merz". Merz.com. Retrieved March 19, 2023.
- ^ "Perrigo to Acquire Leading Consumer Self-Care Company, HRA Pharma". Perrigo.com. Retrieved March 19, 2023.
- ^ Jackson BA, Shelton AJ (April 1999). "Pilot study evaluating topical onion extract as treatment for postsurgical scars". Dermatol Surg. 25 (4): 267–9. doi:10.1046/j.1524-4725.1999.08240.x. PMID 10417579.
- ^ Saulis, Alexandrina S. M.D.; Mogford, Jon H.; Mustoe, Thomas A. M.D. (2002). "Effect of Mederma on Hypertrophic Scarring in the Rabbit Ear Model". Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. 110 (1): 177–183. doi:10.1097/00006534-200207000-00029. PMID 12087249.
- ^ Chung VQ, Kelley L, Marra D, Jiang SB (February 2006). "Onion extract gel versus petrolatum emollient on new surgical scars: prospective double-blinded study". Dermatol Surg. 32 (2): 193–7. doi:10.1111/j.1524-4725.2006.32045.x. PMID 16442038.
- ^ Delude, Cathryn (April 17, 2011). "Do scar remedies really work?". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved March 19, 2023.
- ^ a b "Mederma Advanced Scar Gel". National Institutes of Health. Retrieved March 19, 2023.