The suite of Stratpharma products has become synonymous with quality and unparalleled results in wound healing, scar management and stretch mark treatment and prevention.
Swiss company Stratpharma has become Australia’s most trusted provider of solutions for wound healing and scar therapy with their gel-based products, Stratamed, Strataderm and StrataXRT. They have now added Stratamark, for prevention and treatment of stretch marks, to their impressive product line.
Whether it’s following a major cosmetic surgery such as breast augmentation or facial plastic surgery, minor surgical procedures, or the prevention and treatment of stretch marks, the Stratpharma suite of products has become an essential part of wound healing, scar management and stretch mark treatment and prevention protocols.
Stratamed – Film-forming wound dressing
Wound healing and scar management is critical to patient satisfaction, whether following 
major cosmetic surgery, such as breast augmentation or facial plastic surgery, post laser therapy or after undergoing radiotherapy and relatively minor procedures such as skin cancer removal.
Stratamed is the first gel formula that can be used on open wounds and compromised skin surfaces. Its advanced flexible film-forming wound dressing provides faster wound healing and prevents abnormal scar formation.
Stratamed is bacteriostatic, gas permeable and inert. It can be applied immediately after surgery or skin resurfacing to promote faster re-epithelialisation and a reduced inflammatory response.
Strataderm – Scar therapy gel
Strataderm prevents and treats new and old hypertrophic scars and keloids. It is internationally renowned as the gold standard in non-invasive scar treatment, and can be used either as monotherapy or in combination with more invasive therapy.
For existing scars, the gel helps to soften and flatten raised scars, reduce redness and discolourisation, and relieve the itching and discomfort that can be associated with scars.
Strataderm is popular with both doctors and patients alike. Doctors generally prefer the gel to silicone sheets and patients find the gel simple and easy to use, leading to better compliance.
StrataXRT – Radiation dermatitis prevention and treatment
StrataXRT is used to relieve low- grade inflammatory changes such as dry, itching, flaking, peeling and irritated skin. For more severe inflammatory changes, StrataXRT reduces pain, redness and heat and helps soothe the exposed skin areas.
StrataXRT is a tube-dispensed, self-drying, occlusive topical gel developed from advances in polymer technology. This product was specifically developed for usage before and after radiation therapy and is mainly used in radiation oncology.
It is (with the exception of Stratamed) the only self-drying silicone device, which has been approved for the use on open wounds and compromised skin. Unlike most radiation dermatitis treatments, StrataXRT is registered as a medical device with European CE mark and is a class 1 wound dressing listed with the US FDA.
It is also an extremely economical alternative to other products on the market for this 
indication.
A novel use of StrataXRT that is rapidly gaining traction is on immediate post-laser skin.
Dr Bruce Williamson from SkinSmart Medical Services in Balgowlah, Sydney, is so impressed by StrataXRT’s suitability for use after laser skin resurfacing he classifies it as his key product. “It’s great because it allows the skin to breathe, unlike products such as Vaseline which can be quite harsh,” he says.
“It nurtures the skin, and for the patient it is pleasant and doesn’t sting. It is not uncomfortable or sticky after application. The product can easily be applied to a whole area and it is gas and water impermeable,” Dr Williamson says. By helping to promote a moist wound healing environment for widespread superficial wounds and burns, StrataXRT promotes faster re-epithelialisation and significantly reduces the skin’s acute inflammatory response.
It is being shown to improve healing time dramatically, helping to prevent infection by building a protective barrier. “Within about two days StrataXRT reduces inflammation and redness. I normally apply it on the patient straight after treatment, dress the area and send patients away with a tube so they can apply it themselves.”
StrataXRT may also be used in conjunction with other adjunctive treatments to improve overall results and can be used with or without a secondary protective dressing for a minimum of 60-90 days (24/7) post radiation therapy or until no further improvement is seen. Jodie Dominey, Chief Operating Officer of DermoClear in Sydney’s Bondi Junction, uses StrataXRT on post-laser tattoo removal and is seeing impressive results. “It minimises any skin irritation and prevents side effects such as blistering if used effectively and continued by the patient. One of the benefits of this product is that it doesn’t contain alcohol and can be used on patients who are allergic to alcohol-based creams.”
“StrataXRT assists in delivering the best possible care and giving the best possible outcome for our patients,” says Dominey.
Stratamark – Stretch mark prevention & treatment
Stratamark is the first clinically proven topical medical device for stretch marks, backed by 
clinical trials and TGA approval.
Stratamark, the innovative new addition to the Stratpharma range, hydrates and protects the skin, forming a thin, flexible and protective gel sheet that is gas permeable and hydrophobic, allowing the skin to normalise the collagen synthesis cycle to efficiently treat and prevent stretch marks.
The unique gel formula influences an epidermal-dermal signalling cascade via a regulatory role of the epidermis on fibroblast production. Keratinocytes have been shown to activate the fibroblasts, hence collagen and glycosaminoglycan production. This leads to the normalising of the keratinocyte hydration status and the normalising of tissue growth factors, which signals dermal fibroblasts to normalise the collagen synthesis cycle of stretch marks.
Stiae distensae, or stretch marks, are a form of abnormal scarring in which the dermal collagen ruptures and separates. Both men and women can have stretch marks due to growth spurts for example during puberty, rapid weight gain or steroid use, in addition to pregnancy.
Unlike cosmetic and moisturising products, Stratamark is a medical device for the prevention and treatment of stretch marks. Stratamark is applied once daily as a thin layer directly to clean, dry skin. Drying within a few minutes, it can be covered by garments, cosmetics or sunscreen.
For prevention of stretch marks in pregnant women, Stratamark application is recommended from the beginning of the second trimester until 60 to 90 days post partum.
For treatment of existing stretch marks, 60 to 90 days of continuous usage is recommended until no further improvement is seen. Stratamark needs to be in constant contact with the skin 24/7.
It can also be used alone or in combination with other stretch mark treatment including laser therapy.
Prevention of stretch marks after breast augmentation
A novel use of Stratamark is in its application before and after breast augmentation surgery. Applying Stratamark pre and post breast surgery is showing efficacy in preventing stretch marks from developing after implant surgery.
Not all breast augmentation patients will develop stretch marks; but for those that do, it can mar the result and be a source of ongoing dissatisfaction.
Stretch marks after breast implant surgery are most common when too large an implant is chosen for the patient’s chest dimensions. Other risk factors include predisposition (stretch marks elsewhere on the body) and poor skin elasticity and overall skin quality.
Stratamark helps to hydrate the skin and normalise the collagen synthesis cycle – and protect the skin against dermal tearing after rapid expansion or stretching of the skin such as after insertion of breast implants.
Stratamark should be used each day as part of pre-op preparation, and for an additional 60 to 90 days post surgery.
For more information or to trial Stratamark call 1800 567 007 or visit www.stratamark.net
