How to Treat Pimples and Boil Scars

If you've ever had a boil, you're likely aware of the unsightly scars they leave behind. Fortunately, these scars fade over time, and there are steps you can take to reduce and lighten their appearance. Boils typically form in moist and warm areas of the body, such as the armpits, nostrils, and the inner thighs. While it may be embarrassing to have a boil scar, you're not alone—many people have them, and most scars will disappear within a year!

Try using over-the-counter scar creams to reduce boil scars. Apply a small amount of scar cream to your fingertip and rub it into the scars. The cream will be absorbed into the scar tissue once massaged into the skin. If any cream remains visible on your skin after rubbing it in, you've used too much. Leave the cream on for 3-5 hours unless the product instructions state otherwise.

• Scar cream can be applied to any scar from a boil on the body, but make sure the boil has healed before applying the cream.
• Common scar gel brands include NewGel, BioCorneum, and Kelo-cote. These products help shrink and lighten scar tissue. Some scar gels also contain sunscreen with moderate SPF to prevent the scars from darkening or becoming damaged by sun exposure.

Apply silicone gel to scar tissue to reduce scars. Squeeze a generous amount of gel into your hand and apply it evenly over the scar tissue, forming a thick layer on the skin. Wait 4-5 minutes for the gel to dry before dressing or covering the scar. Typically, silicone gel should be applied twice a day. Continue using the gel twice daily until the scar shrinks and becomes flat.

• Silicone gel has no side effects and is painless when applied to the scar tissue.
• Silicone gel works slowly. In most cases, you will need to apply the gel for at least 6 months before seeing results. Although the wait may feel discouraging, don’t give up! Silicone products are effective, so you are likely to be pleased with the outcome.
• If you don't notice results after 9-10 months, consult a doctor about other treatment options.
• Silicone gel is widely available at pharmacies. You can also find it in the pharmaceutical section of large supermarkets.
• You can also apply silicone sheets to the scar for 12-24 hours daily for 2-6 months. Clean the sheets daily and replace them every 10-14 days.

Use compression fabric to reduce scars. Purchase compression fabric or bandages with a pressure of 20-30 mmHg. Wear the compression fabric 12-24 hours a day for 2-6 months to shrink the scar and prevent recurrence after surgery.

Use chemical exfoliants to flatten raised boil scars. Chemical exfoliants are often available over-the-counter, making them easy to purchase. Apply a small amount of serum to your fingertip and gently rub it onto the scar. The exfoliating cream will form a thin layer on the scar when applied properly. Apply 2-3 times a day (or as recommended on the product packaging), and you will notice the scar becoming smaller and less visible.

• Look for skin creams and exfoliating serums containing glycolic acid or a combination of salicylic and mandelic acids.
• Chemical exfoliants may cause irritation on sensitive skin areas (such as around the mouth and eyes). If you experience a burning sensation when applying the exfoliating cream, stop using it immediately.

Apply vitamin E cream to scars for a natural remedy. Purchase vitamin E-enriched skin cream from a pharmacy. Apply a small amount of vitamin E cream to each scar once daily for 2-3 weeks or until the scar tissue fades. Consult a doctor before using vitamin E cream if you are already using exfoliating creams or scar treatment products.

• The effectiveness of vitamin E cream in studies has varied. In some cases, vitamin E has significantly reduced scars, while in other cases, it has shown little to no effect.
• Vitamin E cream may cause mild side effects, such as itching and a slight rash.

Visit a dermatologist if boil scars don't fade after using home remedies. If over-the-counter products haven't been effective, it's time to consult a dermatologist. Let them know how long you've had the scar and what treatments you've tried. The dermatologist will examine the scar and may take a small skin sample for analysis.

• In some cases, you may need to see a general practitioner first before being referred to a dermatologist.
• Dermatologists are skilled in treating all types of scars, including boil scars. They are usually friendly and can help ease your concerns about the scars!

Ask your doctor about laser treatments to lighten scars. If a boil is particularly large or deep, it may leave a deep, pitted scar from the thick scar tissue. These scars often don't respond well to most over-the-counter products. However, a dermatologist can use a high-intensity laser beam to resurface the skin by removing the scar tissue. In some cases, laser therapy can completely erase visible scars! Because of this, laser treatment is a popular option.

• Depending on the severity and number of scars you want to treat, the cost of laser therapy can range from $200 to $2,000 USD (4.5 million to 45 million VND).
• The laser procedure may be somewhat uncomfortable, though you will typically receive a local anesthetic. You might still experience a tingling or burning sensation. The procedure can also leave some scarring. Recovery time after laser treatment may take between 3 to 10 days.
• Before proceeding with laser treatment, the doctor will ask about your medical history. You may also be prescribed antiviral medications to prevent infections following the procedure.

Consider minor skin surgery to remove boil scars. Dermatologists and dermatologic surgeons often perform minor surgeries to remove stubborn scar tissue. Surgery is commonly used for cases with multiple separate boils causing large scars. The doctor may choose a procedure called excisional surgery, where each boil is removed, and the wound is closed or grafted. While this surgery may sound intimidating or unpleasant, it is a safe and effective way to remove boil scars!

• Minor skin surgery is usually an outpatient procedure, meaning you will receive local anesthesia and can go home immediately after the surgery. The process is painless, and recovery takes just 2-3 days.
• If you don't have health insurance, the cost of this surgery could range from $300 to $1,000 USD.
• Scar removal surgery is generally an outpatient procedure, though you might receive general anesthesia. Be sure to ask your doctor if you should fast before the surgery.

Use chemical peels to erase larger boil scars. Dermatologists often use chemical peeling to treat hard-to-remove scar tissue. In this method, a high-concentration acid is applied to the scar tissue for a short time to exfoliate and lighten the scars. Patients typically receive a local anesthetic, so there should be no pain. If you have many scars or extensive scarring, ask your dermatologist if this therapy is suitable for you.

• There is a risk of skin damage or new scars with chemical peeling. Be sure to discuss the potential risks and side effects with your doctor before deciding to undergo this treatment.
• Boil scars are usually not very deep, which means you may only need mild treatment, with costs ranging from $150 to $300 USD.
• Recovery time after chemical peeling typically takes 7-14 days. Your doctor will guide you on keeping your skin moisturized and applying sunscreen for 1-2 weeks after the treatment.

Ask your doctor about corticosteroid injections to flatten scars. If you have raised and lumpy boil scars, your dermatologist might inject corticosteroids to reduce inflammation and flatten the scar tissue. In most cases, you will need 3 or 4 injections, spaced 4-6 weeks apart. The total cost of the injections is approximately $100 USD, and most insurance companies cover this cost.

• The injections will feel similar to a vaccination shot. If you experience discomfort, tell your doctor so you can be given a local anesthetic.
• If your scars respond well to the injections, the dermatologist may continue the treatment for several months.
• In some cases, the body may not respond well to the steroid injections. If side effects occur, your doctor may decide to stop the treatment.
• If corticosteroid injections are not effective, you could try fluorouracil injections instead. However, this method may increase the risk of recurrence by 47%.

Use concealer makeup to hide boil scars. If you prefer not to undergo surgery or medical treatments, covering the scars may be your best option. You can buy over-the-counter concealers at beauty stores or pharmacies. Try using 3-4 different shades until you find one that closely matches your skin tone. Use a makeup brush to apply the product over the scar, ensuring it blends seamlessly.

• If you regularly wear makeup, you can mix the concealer with your foundation.
• Unlike regular makeup, concealers stay in place for 2-3 days and fully cover the scar tissue.
• Concealer works especially well for small scars on the face, but you can also use it for scars on your neck, hands, and arms.

Apply sunscreen and wear protective clothing to shield scars from the sun. Scar tissue is highly sensitive to the sun's UV rays. If you spend enough time in the sun—just 30 minutes a day—your scar can darken due to UV exposure. Be sure to apply sunscreen to the scar at least 20 minutes before going outside. If you dislike using sunscreen, wearing loose clothing that covers the scar is a good alternative.

• For example, if your scars are on your legs, wear loose linen pants to avoid friction while still blocking harmful UV rays.
• Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 50 to protect your scars from both UVA and UVB rays.
• If you're in the sun for more than 3-4 hours, reapply sunscreen as directed on the product packaging.
• If you have scars on your face or neck, consider wearing a wide-brimmed hat to shield them from the sun.

Moisturize scar tissue by applying petroleum jelly (Vaseline) daily. Apply a coin-sized amount of petroleum jelly to your scars once a day. Besides softening the scar, petroleum jelly also protects it and prevents dryness. This is especially crucial during the first month after the boil has healed, as your skin needs time to regenerate.

• You can find petroleum jelly at most pharmacies or supermarkets.

• At-home remedies for reducing boil scars include aloe vera gel, olive oil, and honey. However, these methods are not medically proven and may not always be effective.
• Silicone gel is often available in the form of adhesive sheets that can be directly applied to the boil scar, providing coverage for several hours.
• Medical studies indicate that onion extract is particularly effective in shrinking and lightening scar tissue. Visit a pharmacy and check the ingredient labels of various scar creams to find one with onion extract.