SYLKE Spider Silk Wound Dressing

The 360° stretch capability means SYLKE moves with the patient's skin during normal activities, accommodating the approximately 30% of skin stretch that occurs with daily movement and activity. This elastic approximation reduces tension and shear forces on the wound edges, which decreases ischemia at the closure line and reduces scar formation. Traditional non-elastic closure methods create rigid approximation that can compromise microcirculation and increase tension-related complications. The elastic properties of spider silk mimic natural skin's biomechanical properties, enabling physiologic wound support.

SYLKE is designed for 14-day wear time and maintains structural integrity and adhesive strength throughout this period. The water-resistant formulation allows patients to shower and maintain normal hygiene without SYLKE delaminating or losing efficacy. Most wounds achieve primary healing within this timeframe. If extended support is needed beyond 14 days, additional SYLKE strips can be applied or other closure methods can be transitioned to based on clinical assessment. The medical team managing care should assess healing progression at 7 days and provide guidance on expected removal timeline.

SYLKE and sutures serve similar closure functions but with distinct advantages and disadvantages. Sutures provide excellent holding power but require removal appointments, can create permanent suture track marks (Railroad tracks), trigger tissue foreign body reactions, and may cause discomfort during removal. SYLKE offers non-invasive closure without removal procedures, minimal inflammatory response, superior esthetic outcomes, and comfort throughout wear time. SYLKE is ideal for lacerations in cosmetically sensitive areas and when minimizing scarring is paramount. Sutures remain preferable for deep dermal closure where tension support is critical. Many surgeons use SYLKE for skin surface approximation in conjunction with deep sutures (combination technique).

SYLKE is indicated for clean or clean-contaminated wounds with no evidence of active infection. Active infections must be treated with appropriate antimicrobial therapy prior to SYLKE application. However, the emerging research on SYLKE with incorporated antimicrobial peptides suggests future potential for infection-fighting capabilities. Current clinical use requires that wounds be free of infection at the time of SYLKE application. Medical provider assessment is essential to determine infection status and readiness for closure.

SYLKE removal is simple and designed to be painless. After 14 days, the wound has typically achieved sufficient closure that SYLKE can be gently peeled away from the skin. The pressure-sensitive adhesive releases cleanly without the trauma associated with suture removal. To minimize any sensation during removal, gentle moistening of the strip edges with warm water can facilitate easier separation. Most patients report minimal to no discomfort during removal. SYLKE can be removed in the clinical office or, in many cases, patients can remove it safely at home following provider instructions.

Ideal SYLKE candidates include patients with: simple lacerations or cuts; low-tension wounds; minimal underlying tissue trauma; wounds in cosmetically visible areas where scarring minimization is important; history of adhesive sensitivity; or patient preference for non-invasive closure. SYLKE is less ideal for wounds with significant tension, deep structure involvement requiring strong dermal closure, or highly contaminated wounds. Wounds should be clean and properly prepared (clean irrigation, hemostasis control) before SYLKE application. Your healthcare provider can assess specific wounds to determine SYLKE suitability based on location, depth, tension characteristics, and patient factors.