How to Deal With Different Types of Scars on Your Legs
09.10.2021Scars are skin marks that remain after a wound, trauma or injury has healed. They fade over time but can still be visible, which can cause cosmetic concerns for some. It is possible to conceal scars if they are not visible on a prominent body part. It might be difficult to conceal scars on your legs if they are too visible, especially if you’re on vacation or wearing short skirts or dresses. You have found the right place if scarring your legs is a concern. This article will discuss multiple methods, treatments, and remedies to remove scarring from your legs. Scroll down.
What Causes and Types of Scars on the Legs?
Scars can be caused by burns, injuries, weight loss, cuts and bruises. These are some of the most common scars:
1. Contracture
Contractures are when the skin contracts after healing. This scar causes skin to tighten by pulling at the edges. This is the most common scar from burns. It can limit movement, especially if it affects nerves, tendons and joints.
2. Atrophic Scars
Skin inflammation such as acne and chickenpox can cause atrophic scarring or depression. They can appear as indentations or small pits. They may become more prominent as you age.
3. Flat Scars (Cicatrix)
These scars can initially look pinkish or slightly raised. As they heal, they will eventually become flat. Flat scars can often be darker or paler than surrounding skin due to injuries.
4. Keloids
Keloids are scar tissue that appears shiny and hairless, and rises above skin surface. They can grow to be larger than the wound itself and can be caused by a range of skin conditions, such as eczema or surgical procedures. Keloids can affect movement depending on where they are located.
5. Hypertrophic Scars
Hypertrophic scars are raised above the skin’s surface and do not spread like keloids. These scars are usually caused by minor cutaneous injuries such as insect bites, vaccination, or skin piercing. They tend to get smaller over time but they don’t flatten completely.
6. Stretch Marks
The most common form of scarring is stretch marks. They are caused by rapid skin contraction or expansion, which damages connective tissue. These scars can develop during pregnancy, puberty, and weight fluctuations.
These scars can be placed on your legs. We will discuss how to remove and treat these scars in the next section.
Natural and OTC Treatments for Leg Scars
- How to treat burn scars on the legs
Excessive collagen production results in contracture scars. They can also become hypertrophic or keloid scars. These scars can be managed. To remove hypertrophic scarring from second- and third-degree burns, use self-drying silicone gel. Protect your skin from sunburns and use sunscreen that has a minimum of 30 SPF.
- How to treat acne Scars on the Legs
It is very rare to get acne on your legs. Folliculitis, which is an inflammation of the hair follicles, can occur due to Staphylococcus. This is often confused with acne. It can be caused by improper shaving (razor bumps), or ingrown hair removal. Scarring can be left behind by scratching the bumps. Talk to your doctor to minimize scarring. They might prescribe:
- Topical antibiotic creams, gels and lotions
- Hydrocortisone creams can be used to reduce itching
- Antifungal creams and pills (if the fungus is responsible)
- Wet wraps are used to reduce inflammation and scarring
- For severe scarring, laser treatment or chemical peeling
- How to treat Bug Bite Scars
Although most bug bites are harmless, hyperpigmentation can occur due to inflammation and scarring. There are the best ways to treat them. Aloe vera gel can be used to reduce inflammation. Massage the area to increase blood flow. This can increase collagen production and decrease scarring. Regularly moisturize and exfoliate your legs. Antibacterial ointments can reduce the risk of infection.
- How to treat eczema scars on the Legs
Eczema normally doesn’t leave scarring. Scarring can be caused by itching or scratching the eczematic areas. To prevent scarring, you can reduce flare-ups. These are some options:
- You can pamper yourself with a 30-minute oatmeal bath every now and again to moisturize your skin.
- Hemp seed oil can be used to soothe eczema and strengthen the skin’s barrier.
- To relieve eczema symptoms, you can use OTC medication, such as oral antihistamines and steroid creams, like hydrocortisone creams.
- How to treat Injury-Related Scars on the Legs
Scab formation can result from injuries, and picking them may leave scars. To reduce scab scars on your legs. Do not pick at the scab, or forcefully remove it. Apply a mixture of lavender essential oil with extra virgin olive oil to the affected area. This will keep your legs moisturized and reduce scarring. Let the lemon juice sit for 10 minutes on the scar. Rinse the area with cool water.
- How to treat stretch mark scars on the legs
Stretch mark scars may appear around your calves, knees, and thighs due to puberty (due a growth spurt), pregnancy (due weight gain or sudden weight loss), and during puberty. They may appear initially as red or purple lines (fresh scars), but they will eventually turn white (older scars). It is possible to fade scars if you treat them as soon as they appear. These are some options:
- Exfoliate your skin regularly. You can use a ready sugar scrub, or a scrub made from homemade sugar.
- Virgin coconut oil can be used to massage the scars.
- The area may be smoothened by massaging it with products containing centella Asiatica and hyaluronic acids.
- How to treat old and dark scars on legs
Hyperpigmentation can occur in older scars, which may make them darker than surrounding skin. These are some ways to remove older scars.
- The application of onion extract gel can soften scar tissue, improve texture, reduce redness and refine appearance.
- Glycolic acid, a chemical exfoliator that contains glycolic acid, can help improve stubborn atrophic scars.
- Silicone sheets or gels have been shown to reduce hypertrophic and Keloid scars.
If you’re unable to erase scarring with the above treatments, or if scarring is very severe, see a doctor right away.
How to Prevent or Get Rid of Leg Scars Fast
- If you sustain an injury, wash your legs with warm or cold water. Let the wound air dry. To prevent infection, apply antibacterial cream.
- Cover any wounds or scars and keep them protected from direct UV radiation. When you go outside, apply sunscreen.
- Do not pick at the scab over a wound.
- As soon as the scar appears, begin treating it immediately.
- Apply moisturizer during the skin healing process to soften scar tissue and maintain skin’s elasticity.
- To address hyperpigmentation, you might try bleaching creams.
- To fade scarring, use skin care products that are rich in vitamin E, cocoa butter and aloe vera.
- To reduce fibrous tissue around the scar, massage your legs often.
The first step in managing scarring on the legs is proactive wound care. It is important to nourish your skin and allow it heal. This will reduce the likelihood of scarring. To treat scarring on the legs that are older or more severe, be patient and persistent. You can consult a dermatologist to try cosmetic treatments to get the desired results.