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Scars can be annoying, unsightly, and uncomfortable. In some cases, they can cause more serious problems, such as limiting your range of motion. Fortunately, if you have a bothersome scar, there are a variety of natural and medical remedies you can try. For less severe scars, try natural remedies like rosehip oil or onion extract. If home remedies aren’t working, try an over-the-counter treatment or talk to your doctor about more aggressive options. You can also prevent or minimize scars by taking proper care of wounds.
Steps
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Try a daily treatment with rosehip oil . There’s some evidence that applying rosehip oil to a scar every day over the course of 6 weeks or longer can significantly improve the appearance of a scar. [1] X Research source Dilute the rosehip oil in a carrier oil, such as coconut or avocado oil, and apply it to the scar twice a day for several weeks or until you notice a significant improvement. [2] X Research source
- You can find rosehip oil at a health supply store or pharmacy, or buy it online.
- Don’t apply rosehip oil or any other essential oil directly to your skin, or it could cause irritation. Dilute it in a carrier oil or moisturizer first. [3] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
- Use 15 drops of rosehip oil per 1 fluid ounce (30 mL) of the carrier oil of your choice (such as coconut or olive oil) unless your doctor or a naturopathic medicine practitioner recommends a different dosage. [4] X Research source
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Put onion extract on your scar to soften it. Studies show that applying onion extract to a scar every day for at least 4 weeks can soften the scar tissue and improve its appearance. [5] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health Go to source Look for an over-the-counter scar treatment containing onion extract and carefully follow the directions on the packaging to treat your scar.
- You can buy pure liquid onion extract or purchase a gel or ointment containing onion extract. If it’s not available in pharmacies or health stores in your area, check online. [6] X Trustworthy Source American Academy of Family Physicians Organization devoted to improving the health of patients, families, and communities Go to source
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Apply vitamin E ointment to your scars with caution. The evidence on whether vitamin E can improve the appearance of scars is mixed. Some research indicates that it may help, while other studies suggest that it could cause irritation and do more harm than good. [7] X Research source Talk to your doctor about how to use vitamin E ointment properly, and follow the instructions on the packaging carefully.
- Start by applying a very thin layer of vitamin E ointment to your scar, and increase the amount you use gradually if you don’t have any adverse reactions. Only use as much as recommended on the product label or by your doctor.
- Stop using the ointment if you experience side effects such as skin irritation, itching, burning, blistering, redness, or a rash.
- If you decide to try vitamin E oil or ointment, do a patch test first. Put a small amount of the ointment on a discreet area, such as the back of your knee or behind your ear, and wait 24-48 hours to see if you have a reaction. [8] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
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Try an over-the-counter silicone gel on fresh or older scars. Silicone gel or sheeting is one of the most effective home treatments for scars. While silicone works best on fresh scars, it can also soften and reduce the appearance of older scars. For the best results, cover your scar with silicone gel or a silicone sheet for 8-24 hours a day over the course of several months. [9] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
- You can buy silicone gel or silicone scar sheets at most pharmacies. You can also order these treatments online.
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Use a scar-reducing cream for small or light scars. A variety of over-the-counter creams and ointments are available on the market that may be able to help reduce the appearance of scars. [10] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source Follow the ingredients on the packaging carefully and talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns. Look for ointments that include ingredients such as:
- Retinol creams. These are particularly effective for treating acne scars. [11] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
- Glycolic acid . This ingredient has also been shown to be effective for reducing acne scars, especially when combined with retinoic acid. [12] X Research source
- Protective or moisturizing ingredients, such as oxybenzone (a sunblock) [13] X Trustworthy Source Michigan Medicine The University of Michigan's medical center, which provides patient care, supports research, and educates the public on health topics Go to source , petroleum jelly [14] X Trustworthy Source American Academy of Dermatology Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists Go to source , or paraffin. [15] X Trustworthy Source Science Direct Online archive of peer-reviewed research on scientific, technical and medical topics Go to source
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Look into in-office or at-home chemical peels for light scarring. Chemical peels can be helpful for scars that are not too thick or deep, such as acne scars or chicken pox scars. Ask your doctor or dermatologist about getting a medical peel done in their office. You can also buy over-the-counter peels that you can use at home. [16] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
- Over-the-counter peels are not usually as effective as peels done by a medical professional, but they may help reduce the appearance of light scaring.
- Peels containing glycolic acid or salicylic-mandelic acid may be particularly effective. [17] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
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Ask your doctor about fillers for deep scars. If you have a deep or indented scar, a soft-tissue filler may help reduce its appearance. For this treatment, your doctor or dermatologist will inject a soft substance, such as fat or hyaluronic acid, into the tissue under the scar to fill it in. Talk to your doctor about whether this treatment might be right for you. [18] X Research source
- Fillers are a temporary solution since the injected substance breaks down after a while. You may need to repeat this treatment once every 6 months.
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Check into dermabrasion for acne scars or pox marks. Much like chemical peels, dermabrasion is typically used to give skin a smoother surface. This treatment involves the use of a motorized wire brush. Your surgeon will use the brush to safely wear down scar tissue. The procedure is typically quick, but you will be awake and may experience some discomfort. [19] X Research source
- Your doctor may ask you to stop taking certain medications, such as aspirin and some skin care products, before the procedure.
- You should also avoid smoking for as long as possible both before and after the procedure.
- As you recover from dermabrasion, protect your skin by wearing sunscreen , cleaning the area regularly, and using ointments as recommended by your doctor to promote healing.
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Look into laser treatments for severe scars. While laser treatments can’t actually get rid of a scar, they can seriously reduce its appearance and improve other complications associated with scar tissue, such as pain, itching, and stiffness. [20] X Trustworthy Source American Academy of Dermatology Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists Go to source If you have a severe scar, ask your doctor about getting light or laser therapy.
- The effectiveness of this treatment will depend on a lot of factors, including any medical conditions you have and any medications you are currently taking. Give your doctor or dermatologist detailed information about your health before attempting laser therapy. [21] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
- Follow your doctor’s home care instructions carefully to maximize the effectiveness of the treatment. For example, you’ll need to protect the area from the sun after the treatment until it fully heals.
- Certain medications, supplements, or recreational drugs can delay the healing process and make laser treatment less effective. These include tobacco, vitamin E, aspirin, and topical medications that contain glycolic acid or retinoids.
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Talk to your doctor about surgical scar revision. If you have a bothersome scar and other treatments aren’t working, talk to your doctor about surgical treatment options. With surgery, scars can be thinned, shortened, disguised, or even hidden in places like wrinkles and hairlines. [22] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
- If you choose to get surgical revision for a scar, it’s important to keep your expectations realistic. This treatment may not completely eliminate the scar, and you may also need multiple procedures in order to get the best results.
- Not all scars are good candidates for surgical correction. Ask your doctor, dermatologist, or plastic surgeon if this treatment is a good option for you.
- Scar revision surgery works best on scars that are at least 12-18 months old.
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Ask your doctor about punch grafts for very deep scars. In this procedure, your surgeon will take a small piece of normal, healthy skin and use it to replace your scar tissue. They will cut away the scarred tissue and graft the healthy skin into its place. Ask your doctor if a punch graft is appropriate for your type of scar. [23] X Research source
- The skin for the graft is typically taken from behind your ear lobe.
- You may need a resurfacing treatment a few weeks after the surgery to correct any differences in color and texture between the grafted skin and the skin around it.
- Follow your doctor’s care instructions for treating your skin both before and after the surgery for the best results.
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Check into cryosurgery for thick or raised scars. In cryosurgery, your doctor will inject liquid nitrogen into the scar to freeze the scar tissue. This will cause the tissue to die and eventually fall off. You will need to treat the resulting wound carefully to ensure that it heals properly. [24] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
- It may take several weeks for the scar tissue to come off, and several more weeks for the area to heal.
- Follow your doctor’s home care instructions carefully. They will show you how to dress the wound and keep it clean.
- Your doctor will probably also provide medications to help you manage any pain during and after the treatment.
- Cryosurgery may affect your skin color or pigmentation.
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Get cortisone injections to soften hard scars. These steroid injections help shrink and flatten tough scars. They are especially good at reducing hypertrophic scars and keloids, which are scars that result from an overly aggressive healing process. [25] X Trustworthy Source Johns Hopkins Medicine Official resource database of the world-leading Johns Hopkins Hospital Go to source In most cases, you’ll need to get cortisone injections every 4 or 6 weeks until the treatment takes effect.Ask your doctor if this treatment is a good option for you. [26] X Trustworthy Source American Academy of Family Physicians Organization devoted to improving the health of patients, families, and communities Go to source
- Cortisone injections often work best when combined with other treatments, such as cryosurgery.
- Your doctor may combine the steroid injection with a local anesthetic to reduce pain. [27] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
- Cortisone injections could possibly lead to skin atrophy, skin ulcers, as well as hypo- or hyperpigmentation. [28] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
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Clean fresh wounds regularly. If you get a wound, keeping the area clean can help prevent infections, irritation, and scarring. Wash the area daily with gentle soap and warm water to remove germs, dirt, and debris. [29] X Trustworthy Source American Academy of Dermatology Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists Go to source
- Avoid soaps that contain harsh perfumes and dyes.
- If you’re getting medical treatment for your wound, follow your doctor’s instructions for cleaning and dressing it.
- Don’t worry about using antibacterial soap. Studies show that they are no more effective at preventing infections than regular soaps, and may do more harm than good. [30] X Trustworthy Source US Food and Drug Administration U.S. government agency responsible for promoting public health Go to source
I want to speed up the healing process.
"I've had self-harm scars for a year now. They've mostly healed, but they're still noticeable. I'm starting at a new school, and don't want my new friends to be scared or make fun of me. I just really want to speed up the process before summer."
- Kate R.
Helpful for healing a scar from stitches.
"I was with my friend and I got hit with a golf ball. I had to get stitches on my forehead. I ended up with a big scar there, so I followed the steps in this article and it worked! Now the scar is completely gone."
- Alyssa N.
Aloe Vera, Tea Tree Oil, and Lemon juice worked!
"These three treatments were all beneficial in fading the scars on my legs, and face. They also proved to have helped in lightening my skin discoloration on my knees, neck, underarms, and elbows."
- Dela M.
Lemon and honey work wonders.
"The blackheads were terrible on my face, and I started using cinnamon and honey for a week. When I learned of lemon juice, I switched to lemon and honey, which has worked really well!"
- Vitalin Phiri Z.
Did you know that wikiHow has collected over 365,000 reader stories since it started in 2005? We’d love to hear from you! Share your story here
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Keep wounds hydrated with petroleum jelly while they heal. Wounds that develop scabs are more likely to leave scars. To prevent scabbing, always cover your clean wound with hydrating petroleum jelly, such as Vaseline. Cover the wound with a bandage to keep it clean and hydrated. [31] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
- Change the bandage, clean the wound, and reapply the petroleum jelly daily or any time the bandage gets wet or dirty.
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Treat burn wounds with aloe vera gel. Medical researchers have found that aloe helps promote the healing of burn wounds more effectively than petroleum jelly. [32] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health Go to source To minimize scarring , apply 100% aloe gel to the wound daily until the burn heals.
- If you have a third degree burn or a second degree burn that is larger than 3 inches (7.6 cm) across, seek medical care immediately. Don’t try to treat a severe burn on your own. [33] X Trustworthy Source MedlinePlus Collection of medical information sourced from the US National Library of Medicine Go to source
- You can also ask your doctor for a silver sulfadiazine prescription to help prevent infections for second- or third-degree burns. [34] X Research source
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Protect your scar from direct sunlight as it heals. Even after your wound has healed, it’s important to keep protecting the area in order to minimize any potential scarring. If you have a fresh scar after the wound heals, put sunscreen on it or cover it with protective clothing (such as long sleeves) until it fades or disappears. [35] X Research source
- Use a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30.
- If you have a scar from surgery, your surgeon will probably recommend that you keep it protected from the sun for at least 1 year. [36] X Trustworthy Source Seattle Children's Hospital Health information provided by Seattle Children's hospital. Go to source
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Get any stitches removed when your doctor recommends it. If you have a wound that requires stitches, you can minimize potential scarring by having the stitches removed in the timeframe that your doctor recommends. Taking the stitches out too late or too early may result in more severe scarring. [37] X Research source
- Don’t attempt to remove the stitches on your own. Visit your doctor’s office and ask them to remove the stitches for you.
- Get stitches on your face removed after 3-5 days, on your scalp and chest after 7-10 days, and on your limbs after 10-14 days. [38] X Research source
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Expert Q&A
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QuestionHow can I remove my acne scars?Dr. Kate Zibilich Holcomb is a Board Certified Dermatologist and the Founder of Pure Dermatology. She has over 15 years of experience in the field and specializes in cosmetic dermatology. Dr. Holcomb earned an MS in Public Health and Parasitology from The Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine and an MD from Tulane University School of Medicine. She also completed her residency in dermatology as Chief Resident at Saint Luke’s-Roosevelt Hospital Mount Sinai. Dr. Holcomb is a member of the American Academy of Dermatology, American Society of Dermatologic Surgeons, American Acne and Rosacea Society, Skin of Color Society, North American Contact Dermatitis Society, Louisiana Dermatological Society, and Women’s Dermatologic Society.There are many treatments for acne scars, and the great thing about the variable treatments is that they can be used to treat all skin types. Traditionally lasers were not safe in darker skin, but things like radiofrequency microneedling are safe in dark skin and there are even some fractionated lasers that were not safe in the past which are relatively safe now. So, the best way is definitely to discuss the situation with a dermatologist.
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Tips
- When in doubt, consult a doctor about the best way to prevent scarring or treat a scar that has already formed.Thanks
Tips from our Readers
The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.
- If you have acne scars, you probably have it from popping your pimple/s or scratching at them. Find a distraction for your fingers or hands so they do not pick at your pimples or touch your face often in general. A scab make form, and allow that to peal off on it's own.
- If you have been scratched by a cat or a dog or any other pet, wash it immediately to avoid infection. See a doctor to make sure you don't have rabies if it's a wild animal. Also, if the scar is recent, you may want to cover the scar with sudocream (an antiseptic).
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Warnings
- There’s not much evidence to support the effectiveness of many common home remedies for scars, such as applying honey or olive oil. Other natural treatments, such as lemon juice, may irritate your skin and make scarring worse.Talk to your doctor or dermatologist before trying any home remedy for scars.Thanks
- Avoid applying topical medication or natural oils and extracts on open wounds or non-healing scars unless you consult with your primary care provider first. [39] X Research sourceThanks
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References
- ↑ https://file.scirp.org/Html/13-1050307_57497.htm
- ↑ https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-030-58954-7_5
- ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/essential-oils-101-do-they-work-how-do-you-use-them/
- ↑ https://naha.org/explore-aromatherapy/about-aromatherapy/methods-of-application/
- ↑ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17722521/
- ↑ https://www.aafp.org/afp/2009/0801/p253.html
- ↑ https://academic.oup.com/asj/article/36/8/959/2613951
- ↑ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26977069/
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2918339/
- ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/scars
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5574737/
- ↑ https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1046/j.1365-4362.2000.00076.x
- ↑ https://www.med.umich.edu/1libr/Surgery/PlasticSurgery/ScarSunScreen-postop.pdf
- ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/injured-skin/burns/wound-care-minimize-scars
- ↑ https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/burn-scar
- ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/11010-chemical-peels
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6785964/
- ↑ https://www.asds.net/skin-experts/skin-treatments/soft-tissue-fillers-for-scars
- ↑ https://www.asds.net/skin-experts/skin-treatments/dermabrasion/dermabrasion-for-scars
- ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/cosmetic-treatments/laser-treatment-for-scars
- ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/11030-scars
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3996787/
- ↑ https://www.asds.net/skin-experts/skin-treatments/punch-grafting-for-scars
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5965337/
- ↑ https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/scars
- ↑ https://www.aafp.org/afp/2009/0801/p253.html
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6063260/
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3903862/
- ↑ https://www.aad.org/media/news-releases/dermatologists-share-tips-for-reducing-scars
- ↑ https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/antibacterial-soap-you-can-skip-it-use-plain-soap-and-water
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4961501/
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7561562
- ↑ https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000030.htm
- ↑ https://www.uofmhealth.org/health-library/d01259a1
- ↑ https://www.hey.nhs.uk/patient-leaflet/scar-information/
- ↑ https://www.seattlechildrens.org/pdf/PE2043.pdf
- ↑ https://nyulangone.org/conditions/scars-keloids/treatments/surgery-for-scars-keloids
- ↑ https://www.medscape.com/answers/1824895-34809/when-should-sutures-be-removed
- ↑ https://www.ucihealth.org/blog/2018/10/wound-care
About This Article
Article Summary
X
To get rid of a scar, apply diluted rosehip oil to it every day for 6 weeks, which may help significantly reduce its appearance. Or, you can apply onion extract to your scar every day for 4 weeks to see similar results. You can find both rosehip oil and onion extract at your local health supply store or online. There are also medical treatments you can try, like over-the-counter silicone gel sheets and scar-reducing creams, which soften and reduce the appearance of scars. For large, deep scars, talk to a doctor about medical procedures that can be used to fade them, like dermabrasion or laser treatments. For tips on how to prevent scarring, scroll down!
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Reader Success Stories
- "I've had self-harm scars for a year now. They've mostly healed, but they're still noticeable. I'm starting at a new school, and don't want my new friends to be scared or make fun of me. I just really want to speed up the process before summer." ..." more
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"I've had self-harm scars for a year now. They've mostly healed, but they're still noticeable. I'm starting at a new school, and don't want my new friends to be scared or make fun of me. I just really want to speed up the process before summer."
..."
more
"I had 14 stitches on my nose, had them removed and now I was told to use vitamin E, but I'm still concerned about a scar, so I'm searching to see what else I could do before I need any professional help. All the tips you gave, I will try."
..."
more
"I was with my friend and I got hit with a golf ball. I had to get stitches on my forehead. I ended up with a big scar there, so I followed the steps in this article and it worked! Now the scar is completely gone."
..."
more
"The natural remedies were helpful! For instance, I did not know honey helps with reducing scars, nor did I know about lemon. I have been searching awhile for at home remedies. This is great! Thank you so much!"
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"These three treatments were all beneficial in fading the scars on my legs, and face. They also proved to have helped in lightening my skin discoloration on my knees, neck, underarms, and elbows."
..."
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