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An Ounce of Prevention: How Applying Dermaka Skin Cream Pre-Surgery Can Make a Big Difference

By: Becky E. Zook RN, BSN, MS

Introduction

Recommendations for post-surgical skin care are ubiquitous. To illustrate, a simple “post-operative skin care” web search yielded 7.8 million search results. However, a search for “preoperative skin care” resulted in 2.2 million search results focused on skin cleanliness, removal of hair, and infection prevention recommendations. While some articles present skin creams, most are focused on anti-aging and avoiding sunburns to prevent dryness and slow wound healing (Web Search, 27 Aug 2023).

This article focuses on the preoperative care of the skin beyond cleansing, hair removal, and prevention of infection. In clinical trials, skin hydration, reduction of inflammation, and prevention of an overabundance of certain types of collagen demonstrate the benefits of these types of presurgical skin care and preparation. Dermaka Skin Cream contains active ingredients to support healing and prevent scarring when utilized as recommended by a provider, before and after aesthetic procedures, and plastic, vein, and other surgical procedures.

Clinically Proven Pre-Surgical Skin Care

In The American Journal of Pathology (2015), suboptimal skin hydration increased S100 protein groups known to cause hypertrophic skin growth (overgrowth) and keloid scarring. Some scarring is expected in all types of percutaneous surgery (surgery requiring an incision or an opening in the skin to be created), however, in patients with dry skin or generalized dehydration resulting in dryer skin, the incidence of scarring significantly increased (Zhong et al., 2015).

A 2022 study in the Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology journal correlates with the results documented by Zhong et al. (2015). Not only did skin hydration play a large role in post-operative scar formation, but skin suppleness and elasticity are also identified as factors in scar production (Jourdan et al., 2022). In addition to preoperative preparation, the authors recommend dermatology providers be involved in the post-surgical care of the patient’s skin. Surgeons tend to stop specialized scar prevention and wound healing care 2-3 weeks after surgery. This is a critical time in skin health, infection prevention, and scar prevention as the inflammatory cellular response to the wound continues to be prevalent. Patients whose dermatology provider was involved in the case continued specialized topical skin care long after the standard postoperative period. These patients had fewer infections and scars and experienced less itch and pain (Jourdan et al., 2022).

The Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (2023) provides expert recommendations for non-surgical and surgical skin treatments to prevent infection and scarring. In the study, patients with surgical wounds along skin tension lines, such as the face, nose, lips, over joints, or other large muscle groups, who applied emollients to the skin in the preoperative phase experienced better outcomes than those patients who did not follow a skin regimen (Amici et al., 2023). Softening the skin with emollients allowed for more supple, flexible skin at tension points. Hydrated, pliable skin resulted in fewer infections and less scarring (Amici et al., 2023). 

Dermaka Skin Cream to Support Skin Health in the Surgical Patient

Dermaka Skin Cream was developed by vascular surgeon Dr. Ronald Bush and his wife, Peggy Bush, APRN.  These surgical providers needed a way to prepare the skin of their vascular patients before procedures to improve post-operative outcomes. Their mission in developing Dermaka Skin Cream is to provide the best possible surgical outcomes for all their patients, regardless of their skin type or general health. To get optimal outcomes, the use of Dermaka Skin Cream should be discussed with your surgical provider before starting a preoperative regimen. 

Dermaka Active Ingredients

  • Bromelain - An enzyme found in pineapple, bromelain is used by plastic surgeons and burn specialists to reduce swelling and inflammation (Hirsche et al., 2020).
  • Arnica Montana - A compound found in flowering plants such as daisies, marigolds, and chamomile, arnica is known for pain-relieving properties and a reduction in the severity of bruises. In a 2021 study, the authors found arnica effective adjunctive therapy for managing surgical pain and bruising (Smith et al., 2021).
  • Licorice - Licorice is a natural lightener when used on the skin. Licorice can decrease hyperpigmentation caused by percutaneous (skin-disrupting) procedures, improving the look and feel of scars (Leyden et al., 2011).
  • Chamomile - A member of the Aster flower family and related to Arnica Montana, chamomile reduces inflammation and irritation (El Mihyaoui et al., 2022). It rehydrates the skin for flexibility and suppleness, preventing scarring (Gomes de Meneses et al., 2022).
  • Green Tea - Extracts created from raw, unfermented tea leaves provide a topical product with antibacterial properties to prevent infection and antioxidants to decrease inflammation and irritation resulting in poor wound healing (Lin, Zhong, & Santiago, 2017). The antioxidant effects help calm the skin before surgery, reducing inflammation before it begins.

How Can You Get the Benefits of Dermaka Skin Cream Today?

Visit the links below to purchase Dermaka Skin Cream directly from the manufacturer, or use your Amazon account to begin your journey to healthier, smoother, more comfortable skin. 

  • Dermaka.com (For Dermaka Cream and Dermaka Sunscreen)

 

(Use only as directed. Consult your surgical provider before beginning a pre-operative skin regimen with Dermaka Skin Cream. Only you and your surgeon can decide if Dermaka Skin Cream is right for your pre and post-operative care.)

Visit Dermaka.com  to Share Your Dermaka Skin Cream Journey and Help Others with Your Story!

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is intended to raise awareness and educate the public. It is not intended to be a substitute for diagnosis and treatment. If you have health concerns, please visit your healthcare provider. 

References

Amici, J-M., Cogrel, O., Jourdan, M., Raimbault, C., Canchy, L., Kerob, D., Madfes, D., Tian, Y., & Araviiskaia, E. (2023). Expert recommendations on supportive skin care for non-surgical and surgical procedures—PubMed. Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, 37(3), 16–33. https://doi.org/10.1111/jdv.18855

 Cleveland Clinic. (n.d.). Collagen: What it is, Types, Function & Benefits. Retrieved July 30, 2023, from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/23089-collagen

 Cleveland Clinic. (2023, February 23). Health Benefits of Watermelon. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/benefits-of-watermelon/

 El Mihyaoui, A., Esteves da Silva, J. C. G. Charfi, S., Candela Castillo, M. E., Lamarti, A., & Arnao, M. B. (2022, March 20). Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.): A Review of Ethnomedicinal Use, Phytochemistry and Pharmacological Uses—PMC. PubMed Central. https://doi.org/10.3390/life12040479

 Gomes de Meneses, A., Barros Ferreira, E., de Souza Maggi Bontempo, P., Silva Guerra, E. N., & Diniz Dos Reis, P. E. (2022, January). Use of Chamomile Infusion to Mitigate Radiotherapy-Induced Dry Desquamation in Head and Neck Cancer Patients—PubMed. Sage Journals. https://doi.org/10.1177/15347354221105491

 Hirche, C., Almeland, S., Dheansa, B., Fuchs, P., Governa, H., Korzeniowski, T., Lumenta, D., Marinescu, S., Martinez-Mendez, J., Plock, J., Sander, F., Ziegler, B., & Kneser, U. (2020). Eschar removal by bromelain based enzymatic debridement (Nexobrid®) in burns: European consensus guidelines update—PubMed. Burns, 46(4), 749–992. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.burns.2020.03.002

 Jourdan, M., Madfes, D., Lima, E., Tian, Y., & Seite, S. (2022). Skin Care Management For Medical And Aesthetic Procedures To Prevent Scarring. Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 12(2019), 799–804. https://doi.org/10.2147/CCID.S218134

 Leyden, J. J., Shergill, B., Micali, G., Downie, J., & Wallo, W. (2011, May 31). Natural options for the management of hyperpigmentation—Leyden—2011—Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology—Wiley Online Library. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1468-3083.2011.04130.x

 Lin, T-K., Zhong, L., & Satiago, J. L. (n.d.). Anti-Inflammatory and Skin Barrier Repair Effects of Topical Application of Some Plant Oils—PMC. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms19010070

 Pangkanon, W., Yenbutra, P., Kamanamool, N., Tannirandorn, A., & Udompataikul, M. (2021). A comparison of the efficacy of silicone gel containing onion extract and aloe vera to silicone gel sheets to prevent postoperative hypertrophic scars and keloids—PubMed. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 20(4), 11460–01153. https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.13933

 Preoperative skin care—Search. (n.d.). Retrieved August 27, 2023, from https://www.bing.com/search?q=pre+operative+skin+care&qs=HS&pq=pre+operative+skin+care&sc=10-23&cvid=02E4302493A7460192FC7A99FBCD6A70&FORM=QBRE&sp=1&lq=0

 Smith, A., Miles, V., Holmes, D., Chen, X., & Lei, W. (2021). Clinical Trials, Potential Mechanisms, and Adverse Effects of Arnica as an Adjunct Medication for Pain Management—PubMed. Medicines, 8(10), 58. https://doi.org/10.3390%2Fmedicines8100058

 Xu, F-W., Kv, Y-l., Zhong, Y-F., Xue, Y-N., Wang, Y., Zhang, L-Y., Hu, X., & Tan, W-Q. (2021). Beneficial Effects of Green Tea EGCG on Skin Wound Healing: A Comprehensive Review—PMC. Molecules, 26(20), 6123. https://doi.org/10.3390%2Fmolecules26206123

 Zhong, A., Xu, W., Zhao, J., Xie, P., Jia, S., Sun, J., Galiano, R., Mustoe, T., & Hong, S. (2016). S100A8 and S100A9 Are Induced by Decreased Hydration in the Epidermis and Promote Fibroblast Activation and Fibrosis in the Dermis—The American Journal of Pathology. The American Journal of Pathology, 186(1), 109–122. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajpath.2015.09.005