If you scratch a mosquito bite and reopen the wound, you can easily give yourself a scar. Most bug bite scars are small red or brownish marks, but some can be lighter than the skin. To eliminate these types of scars, you can try home remedies such as exfoliation, moisturizers, dietary changes and over-the-counter ointments. If these remedies don't work, consult a dermatologist about invasive procedures, such as steroid injections, laser treatments, dermabrasion or chemical peels.
Step 1
Gently exfoliate the scars with a loofah sponge or a liquid exfoliating scrub every time you shower. The key to eliminating scars is to remove the top layer of discolored skin and encourage new, more normal colored skin to grow back. If you exfoliate too hard or too much, though, you might encourage new scar tissue to grow. Moisturize the skin directly afterward.
Step 2
Moisturize the scars five times per day with a high-fat, low-water lotion, such as pure shea butter or cocoa butter. Avoid watery, scented lotions.
Step 3
Eat more foods rich in nutrients for skin health, including vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc, selenium and healthy fats. Avocados, orange vegetables, citrus fruits and various nuts and seeds are excellent sources of these nutrients.
Step 4
Apply over-the-counter ointments, such as alpha hydroxy, vitamin E cream or vitamin A serum. Follow the package directions and do not overapply. Keep in mind, though, that while anecdotal evidence supports the effectiveness of these products, independent scientific studies do not uphold these claims. In fact, a 1999 study in "Dermatologic Surgery" found that vitamin E oil not only did nothing to reduce the appearance of scars, but actually often caused a rash that lead to worse scarring. Some home remedies, such as lemon juice and tomatoes, contain less concentrated amounts of the active ingredients in these ointments.
Step 5
Wear a silicone scar treatment sheet over the scar for 12 hours per day for several months. These sheets are available at most drugstores. Several studies, including a 2007 review in "Dermatologic Surgery," have demonstrated their efficacy.
Step 6
Make an appointment with a dermatologist to discuss invasive procedures, such as laser treatment, dermabrasion, chemical peels or steroid injections. Your specialist will best be able to determine the appropriate treatment for your skin type and the size and type of your scars.
References
- "Dermatologic Surgery"; The Effects of Topical Vitamin E on the Cosmetic Appearance of Scars; LS Baumann, et. al.; April 1999
- "Dermatologic Surgery"; A Review of the Biologic Effects, Clinical Efficacy, and Safety of Silicone Elastomer Sheeting for Hypertrophic and Keloid Scar Treatment and Management; Brian Berman, et. al.; Aug. 2007
- MedlinePlus.com: Scars
- How to Get Rid of Things; How to Get Rid of Scars; Adam Bjerk;
- "Natural News"; The Top Five Nutrients For Healthy Skin; Mike Adams; April 2007
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