Eczema is an inflammatory skin condition also called atopic dermatitis. Sufferers of eczema deal with scaling of the skin and itching, leaving risk of infection at an all-time high during eczema flare ups. When your skin has healed, there is the possibility of scarring, especially if your skin has been scratched excessively or became infected. Although scars cannot completely be removed, there are treatments that are used to lighten and reduce the size and appearance of your scars.
Step 1
Apply an over-the-counter vitamin C cream to your scarred skin. According to DermaDoctor, vitamin C promotes collagen regrowth around blood vessels, allowing for new skin formation and healing of skin imperfections. The University of Maryland Medical Center also states that scientific evidence shows vitamin C supplements and food consumption promotes healing of wounds and burns.
Step 2
Apply silicone gel or sheeting to eczema scars that are enlarged and have grown outside the natural injury barrier. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, silicone is effective in reducing scar size and is safe to use with other scar treatments.
Step 3
Apply hydroquinine cream to lighten your scars and render them invisible. According to DermaDoctor, scars that are an exaggerated red or purple will need bleaching to restore natural skin pigmentation. As eczema heals, excess melanin may form within the scars causing them to become darker than the rest of your skin.
Step 4
Visit your dermatologist for dermabrasion treatments. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, dermabrasion uses a small hand-held wire brush to gently slough off the top layers of damaged skin from scarring. As the new skin forms during the healing process, scars become lighter and less noticeable. Larger scars may require more than one treatment before results are noticeable.
Step 5
Ask your dermatologist about laser resurfacing treatments. Laser resurfacing is another exfoliation method used to reshape scar tissue and allow new skin to take its place, states the American Academy of Dermatology. Recovery times vary from one to two weeks and you will experience some reddening of the treated skin after your procedure.
Things You'll Need
- Vitamin C cream
- Silicone gel or sheeting
- Hydroquinine cream
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