WO2023094031A1

WO2023094031A1 - Kit for use in the treatment of human scars

Info

Publication number: WO2023094031A1
Application number: PCT/EP2022/053086
Authority: WO
Inventors: Michel HEYMANS
Original assignee: Heymans Michel
Priority date: 2021-11-26
Filing date: 2022-02-09
Publication date: 2023-06-01
Also published as: BE1029964B1; BE1029964A1

Abstract

The invention concerns a kit (1) for use in the treatment of human scars, comprising spatially separated components to be used to assemble and attach a scar treatment tape to one or more scars on a human skin (2), wherein the components of the kit (1) comprise a first adhesive layer (3) for contacting the one or more scars in use and a second adhesive layer (4) configured for being superimposed on the first adhesive layer (3) in a circumferentially exceeding manner in use.

Description

KIT FOR USE IN THE TREATMENT OF HUMAN SCARS

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a kit for use in the treatment of human scars.

BACKGROUND

Scars which are formed during healing of wounds in a human's skin are often treated after the healing is complete by cosmetics or surgical treatment. Cosmetic treatments are at best temporary solutions, and the need to have subsequent surgery is both inconvenient and a risk to the patient. It is therefore desired to provide means to effectively treat scars with optimum scar reduction and minimum efforts by and inconvenience caused to a human patient.

In this context, EP2931327A2 discloses a kit comprising uncrosslinked hyaluronic acid and crosslinked alginate both included in a hydrogel film; and a calcium chelator; wherein (a) the alginate is crosslinked with calcium, (b) the hydrogel film is flat and includes a width, a length, and a thickness that is less than the width and the length, and (c) the hydrogel film is configured so bioresorbability of the hydrogel film increases in response to applying the calcium chelator to the hydrogel film. A thus formed membrane according to EP2931327A2 may be used to prevent unwanted scarring after surgery.

The membrane of EP2931327A2 lacks means for compression and contraction of scars. Additionally, the membrane of EP2931327A2 lacks sufficient means for drainage of sweat and/or other body fluids formed on a skin beneath the membrane, necessitating early replacements of the membrane during treatment. Accordingly, such membrane has to be replaced regularly, which complicates a continuous scar treatment using the tape, leading to suboptimal scar reduction.

The present invention aims to find a solution to at least some of the above-mentioned problems. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention provides a kit for use in the treatment of human scars, according to claim 1. Preferred embodiments of the kit are disclosed in claims 2 to 15.

DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

Fig. 1-2 are schematic presentations of a kit for use in the treatment of human scars, according to preferred embodiments of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The recitation of numerical ranges by endpoints includes all numbers and fractions subsumed within that range, as well as the recited endpoints.

The term "hot-melt adhesive" generally refers to a class of adhesives which are supplied as a solid at room temperature and flow upon heating to allow application to one or more substrate(s). Upon cooling the adhesive regains a solid form and moisture cures to bond to the substrate(s).

The term "polyolefin compounds" refers to any polymerized olefin, which can be linear, branched, cyclic, aliphatic, aromatic, substituted, or unsubstituted. More specifically, included in the term "polyolefin compounds" are homopolymers of olefin, copolymers of olefin, co-polymers of an olefin and a non-olefinic comonomer co- polymerizable with the olefin, such as vinyl monomers, modified polymers thereof, and the like. Specific examples include polyethylene homopolymer, polypropylene homopolymer, polybutene homo-polymer, ethylene alpha-olefin copolymer, propylene alpha-olefin copolymer, butene alpha-olefin copolymer, ethylene unsaturated ester copolymer, ethylene unsaturated acid co polymer, (e.g., ethylene ethyl acrylate copolymer, ethylene butyl acrylate copolymer, ethylene methyl acrylate copolymer, ethylene acrylic acid copolymer, and ethylene methacrylic acid copolymer), ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer, ionomer resin, polymethylpentene, etc.

The term "silicone" refers to any viscous composition having a polymerized siloxane, or polysiloxane. Polysiloxanes have a silicon-oxygen backbone (Si— O— Si— O— Si— O— ) and an organic group (such as methyl, ethyl or phenyl) attached. The silicone may be, for example, a linear silicone oil of the non-crosslinked polydimethylsiloxane type. Alternatively, the silicone may be, for example, of the crosslinked organosiloxane type. The silicone may be in the form of an emulsion. Suitable emulsions include but are not limited to water-in-silicone emulsions, oil-in-water emulsions, and silicone-in-water emulsions. Blends of one or more types of silicone with another component are also feasible, such as blends of one or more types of silicone with polytetrafluoroethylene.

With the term "spatially separated", it is meant that the components of the kit according to the invention exist separately from each other in a disconnected state. By purchasing said kit by e.g. a medical practitioner or a patient, the medical practitioner or patient can orient, assemble and attach the individual components as most desired for practical application to a human skin of a thus formed multi-layer tape to treat scars. This allows for an ideal application of the tape and at the same time allows good storage of the individual components.

The term "hydrocolloid material" refers to the compounds commonly used by those skilled in the art, known for their ability to absorb hydrophilic liquids, in particular water and to transport them quickly. Non-limiting examples of suitable hydrocolloid materials are one or more compounds of the following classes: organic, natural materials, such as, e.g., agar agar, carrageen, tragacanth, gum arabic, guar gum, locust bean gum, Karaya gum, alginates, pectins, polysaccharides, guar flour, carob flour, starches, dextrins, gelatins and casein; organic, modified natural materials such as, e.g., carboxymethylcellulose and other cellulose ethers, hydroxyethylcellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, microcrystalline cellulose and the like; any alkali metal salts, such as sodium or calcium, of the previous compounds; and inorganic materials, for example, polysilicic acids, clay minerals such as montmorillonites, zeolites and silicas. These hydrocolloid materials can be used alone or in combination.

The term "polyurethane" refers to polymeric or oligomeric materials comprising urethane groups, urea groups, or both. It should be clear that the term "polyurethane", as used herein, is not limited to those polymers which include only urethane or polyurethane linkages. It is well understood by those of ordinary skill in the art of preparing polyurethanes that the polyurethane polymers may also include allophanate, carbodiimide, uretidinedione, and other linkages in addition to urethane linkages. The term "filmic material" refers to a plastic material in a thin layer. Non-limiting examples of plastic materials that can act as film material are polyolefins such as polypropylene and polyethylene; polyesters; polyamides; polyurethanes; polyvinylhalides such as polyvinylchloride; acetates; biopolymers, including cellulose and cellulosic derivatives, polylactic acid and polyhydroxy acid; and compatible mixtures, blends or copolymers of two or more thereof.

The term "UV blocking agents" refers to agents that block UV rays or UV radiation. The UV blocking agents are preferably inorganic, organic or metallic. Examples of such agents include, but are not limited to; muscovite, phlogopite, biotite, sericite, fushitite, margarite, synthetic mica, metal oxide coated mica, coloured pigment coated mica, talc, benzotriazole e.g chlorobenzotriazoles, para-aminobenzoic acid, metal oxides, metallic hydroxides, mixed metal oxides and hydroxides, metal and mixed metal silicates and aluminosilicates, transition metal oxides and hydroxides, TiO2, ZrC>2, FezCh, natural clay, metal sulfides, non-metallic elements, ionic salts and covalent salts, powered ceramics, organic polymers, natural polymers, insoluble organic materials and biomaterials, particularly UV absorbing molecules, aluminium, copper, copper-bronze, bronze-gold, silver and collagen. In preferred embodiments, said UV blocking agents comprise one or more particles.

The term "planar direction", as used in the present text, refers to a direction according to the plane formed by a substantially to completely flat or planar object.

The invention provides a kit for use in the treatment of human scars, according to claim 1.

The second adhesive layer is thus configured for pressing the first adhesive layer towards the one or more scars. In use, the first adhesive layer of the kit is placed on a part of human skin that shows one or more scars. Subsequently, the second adhesive layer is placed over the first adhesive layer while at the same time outer parts of the second adhesive layer are placed on the skin, in order to press the first adhesive layer towards the one or more scars. As such, a multi-layer scar treatment tape is formed on the human skin for the treatment of scars.

Preferably, the second adhesive layer possesses self-adhesive properties in order to enable attachment to the human skin. Alternatively, an additional adhesive layer can be applied in order to provide for the attachment between the second adhesive layer and skin. Preferably, the first adhesive layer possesses self-adhesive properties in order to enable attachment to the human skin. Alternatively, a further additional adhesive layer can be applied in order to provide for the attachment between the first adhesive layer and skin.

By pressing the first adhesive layer towards the one or more scars by said placement of the second adhesive layer, compression and contraction of the scars is achieved by the thus formed and pressed scar treatment tape. Scar compression and contraction are most effective physical operations for treating scars. The thus pressed scar treatment tape exerts in particular a pressure on one or more scars present on the skin and also affects a temperature rise on the one or more scars. These two physical actions have a pronounced effect upon the natural reorganization of the tissue of the one or more scars: the activity of collagenase, a key enzyme for the remodeling process, is increased, microcirculation in the one or more scars is activated and an improved blood flow is achieved. Accordingly, the performed pressure and contraction reduce the collagen synthesis phase during scar healing and accelerate the maturation phase. In preferred embodiments, the second adhesive layer, optionally combined with said additional adhesive layer, is stretched while being applied on both skin and first adhesive layer. Preferably, the tape is applied along the length of scars. Preferably, the tape assembled from a kit according to the invention is continuously applied to a human skin for a very long time without replacing the tape, from more than 4 weeks up to 2-3 months or more.

By providing the components of the scar treatment tape initially as spatially separated components of the kit, the different components can be applied and combined just before use in order to assemble the tape, which offers advantages in terms of storability and efficient use of materials.

Preferred embodiments of the kit are disclosed in claims 2 to 15.

The preferred embodiment of the kit according to claim 2 shows the advantage that such dimensioning of the second adhesive layer with regard to the first adhesive layer allows the second adhesive layer to be easily superimposed on the first adhesive layer in a circumferentially exceeding manner, and this regardless whether the second adhesive layer is stretched while being placed on the first adhesive layer in use. The preferred embodiment of the kit according to claim 3 shows the advantage that silicones have the effect of whitening scars when contacting them. Preferably, contact between the first adhesive layer comprising one or more silicones and the one or more scars on the skin should at least be maintained during the collagen synthesis phase and is also beneficial during the maturation phase, thus accounting to a period of 3 to 6 months. Silicones show the further advantage that they are tacky materials. Accordingly, proper attachment between a first adhesive layer comprising one or more silicones with the one or more scars on the skin, and between said first adhesive layer with the second adhesive layer, is possible by the tacky nature of the one or more silicones.

The preferred embodiment of the kit according to claim 4 shows the advantage that water on a human skin can be passed through the perforations in the first adhesive layer. Said water is in particularly sweat yet can also come from other body fluids or can also be any water present on the skin before application of the first adhesive layer. The perforations exert capillary forces. Transport of water away from the human skin is effected by those capillary forces. By allowing discharge of skin perspiration while the perforated first adhesive layer is applied to a human skin, frequent replacement of the tape is not necessary and the whole tape can be applied uninterrupted to the human skin for a long period. Accordingly, only few replacements are needed when treating scars with the tape, and a better treatment compliance can be reached. This results in a more continuous contact of the tape with the scars, and thus in an improved treatment of the scars. Accordingly, the tape assembled from a kit according to the invention can be continuously applied to a human skin for a very long time, from more than 4 weeks up to 2-3 months or more without any side effect except allergy that may occur. The normal treatment of compression/contraction of scars should last 3 to 6 months; if the tape must not be changed often or must not be changed at all, it is easier to use and thus resulting in a better compliance to the treatment.

The preferred embodiment of the kit according to claim 5 shows the advantage that perforation percentages according to said range allow sufficient transfer of water, particularly in the form of sweat, away from the skin through the first adhesive layer while a sufficient surface area and thus amount of layer material is available for performing scar treatment. In a more preferred embodiment of the kit according to claim 5, 5% to 20% and more preferably 10% to 20% of the surface area of the first adhesive layer is perforated.

The preferred embodiment of the kit according to claim 6 shows the advantage that areas of individual perforations are not dimensioned excessively large in respect to the surface area of the first adhesive layer. This is important since excessively large dimensioning would lead to insufficient structural stability of the first adhesive layer and might also lead to insufficient layer material at level of scars, which could diminish scar treatment. Furthermore, the relative dimensioning of the areas of the individual perforations allows for capillary forces effected by the perforations. In a more preferred embodiment of the kit according to claim 6, the surface area of the first adhesive layer relates to the area of a perforation according to a ratio of at least 40: 1, even more preferably of at least 50: 1, even more preferably of at least 100: 1, even more preferably of at least 200: 1, even more preferably of at least 250: 1, even more preferably of at least 500: 1 and yet even more preferably of at least 1000: 1.

The preferred embodiment of the kit according to claim 7 shows the advantage that such dimensions of perforations are large enough for transfer of water away from the skin through the first adhesive layer while the perforations are small enough to allow for capillary forces to be active and are also small enough to ensure sufficient coverage of scars on the skin by the material of the first adhesive layer. In a more preferred embodiment of the kit according to claim 7, the first adhesive layer comprises perforations with dimensions from 2 pm to 4000 pm, more preferably from 4 pm to 3500 pm, even more preferably from 6 pm to 3000 pm, even more preferably from 8 pm to 2500 pm, and yet even more preferably from 10 pm to 2000 pm.

The preferred embodiment of the kit according to claim 8 shows the effect that a uniform distribution of perforations allows a uniform transfer of water away from the skin through the perforations of the first adhesive layer. This effect has the advantage that the risk is low that water, particularly in the form of sweat, will pile up at a certain skin region, which would lead to skin irritation and might necessitate an early replacement of a scar treatment tape on the skin.

In a preferred embodiment of the kit according to the invention, the perforations are regular in shape. A preferred embodiment of such regular shape is a circle. Regularly shaped perforations, and preferably round perforations, have the advantage that they allow for uniform transfer of water, particularly in the form of sweat, away from the skin through the perforations.

In a preferred embodiment of the kit according to the invention, the first adhesive layer has a thickness between 20 pm and 3000 pm, more preferably 10 pm and 250 pm and even more preferably between 10 pm and 50 pm. Said preferred thicknesses of the first adhesive layer allow the first adhesive layer to follow the curvatures and/or movements of the skin while the first adhesive layer is thick enough to ensure easy handling of the layer. Also, in combination with the small dimensions of the perforations, said preferred thicknesses of the first adhesive layer are ideally suited to provide the perforations of the first adhesive layer with sufficient capillary forces that allow transport of water, especially in the form in sweat, away from the skin.

In a preferred embodiment of the kit according to the invention, the second adhesive layer is configured for discharging water vapor. Heat produced by the human body will vaporize water that is transported away from the human skin through the perforations of the first adhesive layer. The second adhesive layer is preferably configured for discharging water vapor by having a sufficient water vapor permeability that allows transport of the water vapor away from the first adhesive layer and through the second adhesive layer. By such transport it is avoided that water is trapped between the first and second adhesive layers, thus facilitating prolonged use of the tape.

The preferred embodiment of the kit according to claim 9 shows the effect that said water vapor permeabilities, measured according to ISO 2528, within said range are optimally suited to allow for water vapor to be transported away from the from the first adhesive layer through the second adhesive layer. In a more preferred embodiment of the kit according to claim 9, the second adhesive layer has a water vapor permeability (ISO 2528) of from 300 g/(m2 x 24 h) to 1500 g/(m2 x 24 h).

The preferred embodiment of the kit according to claim 10 shows the advantage that said compounds are known to have good flexibility properties, which are desired for a close contact between the scar treatment tape and the skin of a human. Preferably, the second adhesive layer comprising one or more of said compounds is stretchable to a sufficient extent, such that a scar treatment tape assembled from a kit according to the invention can be applied easily and correctly on a human skin. The preferred embodiment of the kit according to claim 11 shows the advantage that polyurethane is known to show a high extent of flexibility and a good water vapor permeability, which is beneficial for the healing process of one or more scars using a scar treatment tape assembled from the kit according to the invention. Preferably, a second adhesive layer comprising polyurethane has a water vapor permeability (ISO 2528) from 300 g/(m2 x 24 h) to 400 g/(m2 x 24 h), which allows for excellent discharge of water away from the first adhesive layer through the second adhesive layer. Furthermore, polyurethane has good UV filtering properties and thus shields the sensitive scar tissue from UV rays. Besides, a second adhesive layer comprising polyurethane shows a high conformability with the skin, such that no undesired gaps are left between the skin and the tape when such tape is applied to the skin of a human.

Polyurethane has the further advantage that it can be produced in a very thin but very resistant layer. Thanks to the thinness and resistance of such polyurethane layer as second adhesive layer, it is very suitable to correctly continuously apply the tape on a human skin for long periods. The thinness prevents the edges to roll if a side force is applied. Polyurethane has the other advantage that it is a translucid material, and thus offers high visibility of materials behind it. A second adhesive layer formed out of a thin polyurethane layer thus takes the color of underlying skin. If it is discrete, the compliance to the treatment is better. Polyurethane has the advantage that a second adhesive layer comprising polyurethane or manufactured from polyurethane shows a perfect elasticity regarding the traction needed to get a continuous compression/contraction couple. Also, the adaptability of a polyurethane layer to any anatomic area is worth mentioning. As it is flexible, polyurethane can be bonded to any part of a human body. A further advantage of polyurethane is that it is waterproof; it can be held in the water, so no need to change the tape if a human wearing the tape goes in the water, e.g. when walking in the rain, swimming, bathing or showering.

A particular further advantage of polyurethane is its self-adhesive property, which obviates the need for additional application of an adhesive layer to the second adhesive layer to affix the latter to the skin.

In a preferred embodiment of the kit according to the invention, the second adhesive layer has a thickness between 5 pm and 1100 pm, more preferably between 10 pm and 500 pm, even more preferably between 12 pm and 200 pm, yet even more preferably between 14 pm and 100 pm and yet even more preferably between 15 pm and 50 pm. Thicknesses of the second adhesive layer within said preferred ranges allow the second adhesive layer to follow the curvatures and/or movements of the skin while the second adhesive layer is thick enough to ensure easy handling of the layer.

The preferred embodiment of the kit according to claim 12 shows the advantage that the one or more UV blocking agents block UV rays. This addition of the UV blocking agents may be used to fine-tune the degree of UV-blocking performed by the tape.

The preferred embodiment of the kit according to claim 13 shows the advantage that the water-absorbing layer serves the function of water absorption. In use, the waterabsorbing layer is placed, preferably in advance, adjacently to the first adhesive layer, and is in use thus opposite from the human skin. Afterwards, the second adhesive layer will be placed over the combination of first adhesive layer and waterabsorbing layer. Upon perspiration, sweat and thus water formed on the skin passes through perforations of the first adhesive layer and is subsequently absorbed by the water-absorbing layer. As a result, the skin surface is kept dry and skin maceration and irritation is prevented. The water-absorbing layer swells due to absorption of water. Preferably, the second adhesive layer is configured for discharging water vapor. Heat produced by the human body will vaporize water present in the waterabsorbing layer, after which the formed water vapor can be discharged by such second adhesive layer. By such transport it is avoided that the water-absorbing layer becomes oversaturated, facilitating prolonged use of a scar treatment tape formed by a kit according to the invention.

In a preferred embodiment of the kit according to the invention, the water-absorbing layer has a thickness between 10 and 3000 pm, more preferably 10 pm and 250 pm and even more preferably a thickness between 10 pm and 50 pm. Said preferred thicknesses of the water-absorbing layer are large enough to provide the layer with sufficient water-absorption capacity.

The preferred embodiment of the kit according to claim 14 shows the advantage that hydrocolloid materials are ideal components of the water-absorbing layer since they are known for their ability to absorb hydrophilic liquids, in particular water and to transport them quickly. Next to this functionality, hydrocolloid materials are also known to have the function of blocking UV rays, thus protecting scars from such rays when a scar treatment tape assembled from a kit according to the invention is applied to a human skin. Accordingly, the undesired redness and pigmentation from which (young) scars suffer after to exposure to UV rays is prevented.

The preferred embodiment of the kit according to claim 15 shows the advantage that the distribution of the layers in the top assembly and bottom assembly is ideally suited for correct and hygienic assembly and attachment of a scar treatment tape on one or more scars on a human skin. Said peelable liners, further peelable liner and protecting layer allow for protection of the kit's individual layers prior to use. Accordingly, this allows for good and long storage of the layers of the kit. Providing the kit as a combination of a top assembly and a bottom assembly intuitively provides guidance to a user for proper application of a scar treatment tape by using the components of the kit. The bottom assembly is to be used first. Therefore, the further peelable liner and when present the protecting layer are first removed, after which the first adhesive layer is applied to an area of one or more scars on a human skin. In a next step, the top assembly is to be used. Therefore, the two peelable liners are first removed, after which the second adhesive layer, or alternatively when present the additional adhesive layer, are pressed to the water-absorbing layer and the skin. In preferred embodiments, the second adhesive layer, and when present the additional adhesive layer, are stretched while being thus applied.

In a preferred embodiment of the kit according to the invention, the peelable liners and/or the further peelable liner comprise a paper or filmic material. Said material choices have the advantage that they allow for peelable liners and/or further peelable liners that are optimally suited for shielding the adjacent layers of the kit from an environment. Preferably, said paper or filmic material is siliconized. In the current text, the term "siliconized" is too be understood in its conventional meaning of providing a material with a silicone coating.

In a preferred embodiment of the kit according to the invention, the additional adhesive layer comprises a rubber- or acrylic-based pressure-sensitive adhesive.

Said hot-melt rubber- or acrylic-based pressure-sensitive adhesive has several properties which can help in compressing and contracting one or more scars: a) It increases hydration of stratum corneum and thereby facilitates regulation of fibroblast production and reduction in collagen production. It results into softer and flatter scar. It allows skin to "breathe". b) It protects the scarred tissue from bacterial invasion and prevents bacteria- induced excessive collagen production in the scar tissue. c) It modulates the expression of growth factors, fibroblast growth factor p (FGF P) and tumor growth factor p (TGF P). TGF p stimulates fibroblasts to synthesize collagen and fibronectin. FGF p normalizes the collagen synthesis in an abnormal scar and increases the level of collagenases which breaks down the excess collagen. Balance of fibrogenesis and fibrolysis is ultimately restored. d) It reduces itching and discomfort associated with scars.

Such rubber- or acrylic-based pressure-sensitive adhesive can easily be attached to a human skin by the mere application of pressure, avoiding the need of solvent, water or heat for activation of adhesive. This both facilitates the attachment of the assembled tape and ameliorates a standard hygienic use. The selection of a rubber- or acrylic-based pressure-sensitive adhesive for said bonding layer is not to be regarded as obvious by a person skilled in the art, since such person would rather select a more classical approach comprising the use of an adhesive which needs a solvent, water or heat for activation of the adhesive. In most preferred embodiments, the pressure-sensitive adhesive is a solvent-based acrylic adhesive, since such adhesives exert a strong adhesion. A strong adhesion of the additional adhesive layer is needed to ensure adequate adherence to a skin since both second adhesive layer and additional adhesive layer will preferably be stretched at the application onto a skin. Furthermore, the strong adhesion property ensures that the additional adhesive layer adheres adequately to several types of skin and that the adhesive force of the bonding layer resists any memory effect of the second adhesive layer following the stretching of this second adhesive layer. In this way, the second adhesive layer can maximally retain its stretched configuration, which is beneficial for said pressure- and temperature-effect which is exerted on the one or more scars on a skin. In preferred embodiments, the pressure-sensitive adhesive furthermore has an approved cytotoxicity. In other embodiments, polyacrylate-based, polyisobutylene-based, and/or silicone-based pressure-sensitive adhesives may be selected as material for said additional adhesive layer. In still other embodiments, said additional adhesive layer comprises cyanoacrylate. Preferably, the selected adhesive for the additional adhesive layer has an approved cytotoxicity. In preferred embodiments, said additional adhesive layer comprises a thickness between 5 pm and 300 pm, more preferably between 10 pm and 200 pm and even more preferably between 20 pm and 100 pm. In preferred embodiments, said additional adhesive layer comprises one or more adhesives in a total amount of 20 g/m² to 60 g/m², more preferably of 30 g/m² to 50 g/m² and even more preferably of 35 g/m² to 45 g/m². Said thicknesses of said additional adhesive layer and/or said amounts of one or more adhesives in said additional adhesive layer provide a good balance between adhesion and cohesion, and thus guarantee good adhesive properties. Said thicknesses of the additional adhesive layer further allow to have a certain regulation of moisture and/or temperature around one or more scars. Besides, said thicknesses are sufficient to allow the sides of the second adhesive layer which exceed the surface of the first adhesive layer to be oriented according to a sufficient large angle with respect to a skin surface, in a way that a sufficient amount of pressure can be applied to the one or more scars on the skin.

In a preferred embodiment of the kit according to the invention, the protecting layer comprises a paper or filmic material. Said material choices have the advantage that they allow for a protecting layer that is optimally suited for shielding a side of the water-absorbing layer from an environment. Preferably, said paper or filmic material is siliconized.

In a further embodiment of the kit according to the invention, the kit further comprises one or more edge sealing tapes.

Said edge sealing tapes are especially desired if the dimensions of the second adhesive layer in all planar directions are only a little bit larger than the dimensions of the first adhesive layer and the water-absorbing layer. Said edge sealing tapes are suitable to seal of the edges of the second adhesive layer when a scar treatment tape assembled from the kit according to the invention is applied to a human skin. In preferred embodiments, two edge sealing tapes, preferably with a parallel orientation towards each other, are applied to two opposing edges of the tape, in order to completely avoid the mere possibility of detachment of the tape from a skin whereupon it is applied. In other preferred embodiments, two pairs of parallel oriented edge sealing tapes are applied, wherein the two pairs are oriented substantially perpendicular towards each other and each pair is applied to two opposing edges of the tape. In preferred embodiments, said edge sealing tapes comprise a filmic layer, which filmic layer preferably comprises polyurethane, and an adhesive-containing layer, which adhesive-containing layer comprises a rubber- or acrylic-based pressure-sensitive adhesive, preferably a solvent-based acrylic-based pressure-sensitive adhesive. The invention is further described by the following non-limiting examples which further illustrate the invention, and are not intended to, nor should they be interpreted to, limit the scope of the invention.

EXAMPLES

For advantages and technical effects of elements described below in the Examples, reference is made to the advantages and technical effects of corresponding elements described above in the detailed description.

Example 1

Example 1 relates to a kit for use in the treatment of human scars, according to embodiments of the invention.

The kit according to this example comprises spatially separated components to be used to assemble and attach a scar treatment tape to one or more scars on a human skin. The different components of the kit according to Example 1 are shown below in Table 1. Please note that the order of the lines of the table wherein a component is shown corresponds to the relative position of a component in an assembled tape attached to a human skin, in which a lower row denotes a position closer to a human skin.

Table 1 Composition of a kit for use in treatment of human scars, according to Example 1

Table 2 shows specific properties related to the perforations of the perforated first adhesive layer. Table 2 Properties related to the perforations of the perforated first adhesive layer

Fig. 1A gives a schematic representation of the kit according to Example 1. The second adhesive layer 4 defines surface that is larger in all planar directions than individual surfaces defined by the first adhesive layer 3 and the water-absorbing layer 6. The first adhesive layer 3 and the water-absorbing layer 6 have the same size.

When using the kit 1, e.g. by a patient or a medical practitioner, the first adhesive layer 3 comprising perforations 5 with dimension DI is applied first to an area of one or more scars on a human skin 2 (Fig. IB). The water-absorbing layer 6 is applied on top of and adjacent to the perforated first adhesive layer 3 (Fig. 1C). Practically, it can be helpful to apply the water-absorbing layer 6 to the perforated first adhesive layer 3 beforehand. After applying the perforated first adhesive layer 3 and the waterabsorbing layer 6, the second adhesive layer 4 is placed over both first adhesive layer 3 and water-absorbing layer 6, while at the same time outer parts of the second adhesive layer 4 exceeding the surfaces of the other layers 3, 6 are placed on the skin 2, in order to press the perforated first adhesive layer 3 towards the one or more scars (Fig. ID). Preferably, the second adhesive layer 4 is stretched while being thus applied. Accordingly, a scar treatment tape 14 is applied on the skin 2, which scar treatment tape 14 is able to perform scar healing up to 2-3 months or more without having to be replaced.

Example 2

Example 2 relates to a kit for use in the treatment of human scars, according to embodiments of the invention. The kit according to this example comprises spatially separated components to be used to assemble and attach a scar treatment tape to one or more scars on a human skin. The different components of the kit according to Example 2 are shown below in Table 3.

Table 3 Composition of a kit for use in treatment of human scars, according to Example 2

For the specific properties related to the perforations of the perforated first adhesive layer reference is made to the above Table 2.

Fig. 2A gives a schematic representation of the kit according to Example 2. The second adhesive layer 4 defines a surface that is larger in all planar directions than individual surfaces defined by the first adhesive layer 3 and the water-absorbing layer

6. The first adhesive layer 3 and the water-absorbing layer 6 have the same size.

When using the kit 1, e.g. by a patient or a medical practitioner, the further peelable liner 12 and protecting layer 13 are first peeled off from the bottom assembly 11. The remaining dual-layer configuration of perforated first adhesive layer 3 and waterabsorbing layer 6 is subsequently applied to an area of one or more scars on a human skin 2, with the perforated first adhesive layer 3 contacting the skin 2 (Fig. 2B). In a further step, the peelable liners 9, 10 are peeled off from the top assembly 7. The remaining second adhesive layer 4 is then placed over both first adhesive layer 3 and water-absorbing layer 6, while at the same time outer parts of the second adhesive layer 4 exceeding the surfaces of the other layers 3, 6 are placed on the skin 2, in order to press the perforated first adhesive layer 3 towards the one or more scars (Fig. 2C). Preferably, the second adhesive layer 4 is stretched while being thus applied. Accordingly, a scar treatment tape 14 is applied on the skin 2, which scar treatment tape 14 is able to perform scar healing up to 2-3 months or more without having to be replaced.

Claims

1. Kit (1) for use in the treatment of human scars, comprising spatially separated components to be used to assemble and attach a scar treatment tape to one or more scars on a human skin (2), characterized in that the components of the kit (1) comprise a first adhesive layer (3) for contacting the one or more scars in use and a second adhesive layer (4) configured for being superimposed on the first adhesive layer (3) in a circumferentially exceeding manner in use.

2. Kit (1) according to claim 1, wherein the second adhesive layer (4) defines a surface that is larger in all planar directions than a surface defined by the first adhesive layer (3).

3. Kit (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first adhesive layer (3) comprises one or more silicones.

4. Kit (1) according to any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first adhesive layer (3) comprises perforations (5) which allow transport of water away from the skin (2).

5. Kit (1) according to claim 4, wherein 2% to 20% of a surface area defined by the first adhesive layer (3) is perforated.

6. Kit (1) according to claim 4 or 5, wherein each of the perforations (5) defines an area, and wherein the surface area of the first adhesive layer (3) relates to the area of a perforation (5) according to a ratio of at least 40: 1.

7. Kit (1) according to any of claims 4 to 6, wherein the perforations (5) have dimensions (DI) from 1 pm to 5000 pm.

8. Kit (1) according to any of claims 4 to 7, wherein the perforations (5) are uniformly distributed over the surface of the first adhesive layer (3).

9. Kit (1) according to any of claims 1 to 8, wherein the second adhesive layer (4) has a water vapor permeability (ISO 2528) of from 100 g/(m² x 24 h) to 5000 g/(m² x24 h).

10. Kit (1) according to any of claims 1 to 9, wherein the second adhesive layer (4) comprises one or more compounds selected from the group comprising one or more polyolefin compounds, polyamide, polyester, nylon, polyvinylchloride, polyvinylidene chloride, polyethylene terephthalate and polyurethane.

11. Kit (1) according to claim 10, wherein the second adhesive layer (4) comprises polyurethane. Kit (1) according to any of claims 1 to 11, wherein the second adhesive layer (4) comprises one or more UV blocking agents. Kit (1) according to any of claims 1 to 12, wherein the kit (1) comprises as a further component a water-absorbing layer (6) intended to be placed between the first adhesive layer (3) and the second adhesive layer (4) in use. Kit (1) according to claim 13, wherein said water-absorbing layer (6) comprises one or more hydrocolloid materials. Kit (1) according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the second adhesive layer (4) is provided in a top assembly (7), the top assembly (7) further comprising two peelable liners (9, 10) sandwiching the second adhesive layer (4) therebetween, and optionally comprising an additional adhesive layer between one of the peelable liners (9, 10) and the second adhesive layer (4), and wherein the first adhesive layer (3) and water-absorbing layer (6) are provided adjacent to each other in a bottom assembly (11), the bottom assembly (11) further comprising a further peelable liner (12) adjacent to the first adhesive layer (3) and opposite to the water-absorbing layer (6), and optionally comprising a protecting layer (13) adjacent to the water-absorbing layer (6) and opposite to the first adhesive layer (3).