Lower limb scars can be unsightly and embarrassing when you show your legs. While it is not possible to eliminate them completely, there are many creams or gels, medical procedures, and home remedies that can significantly reduce their appearance. Whether the scars result from burns, surgery, injury, chicken pox, acne, or insect bites, there is a specific treatment for each of the specific causes. Read on to learn more.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: Reduce the Appearance of Scars
Step 1. Know the type of scar you have
Before choosing a treatment, it is essential to know which scar it is, because some treatments are indicated only for certain types. You should always consult a dermatologist before considering any treatments. The main categories of scars are:
- Keloid scarsThese are large, nodule-like scars caused by overly aggressively treated wounds. These can increase in volume over time and sometimes recur even after treatment. They are especially common in people with darker skin tones.
- Hypertrophic scarsThese are raised scars, initially appearing red or pink. They typically fade on their own over time. They can be the result of burns or surgery and can be itchy.
- Atrophic scars: they consist of deep pits left after severe acne or chickenpox.
- Stretch marksThese are thin red-purple scars caused by rapid weight gain or loss. They are especially common in pregnant women. Over time they fade and become whitish.
- Contracted scarsThese are typically caused by severe burns and can cover a large area of the skin. Skin appears tight, especially if scar tissue is around the joints and can potentially restrict body movement.
- Dark spots: in this case it is not real scars, but a type of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation usually caused by mosquito or other insect bites.
Step 2. Start the treatment as soon as the scars appear
You should start taking care of it right away, with an appropriate cream or other treatment, as soon as the wound has completely healed. Most of these treatments are much more effective on recent scars than old ones, thus saving you time and money.
Step 3. Exfoliate your skin regularly
Most scars disappear on their own as new layers of skin form, so it is a good solution to remove the old ones to facilitate regrowth. You can encourage this natural process by regularly exfoliating your skin when in the shower, with a body scrub or brush.
Avoid exfoliating your skin if you have fresh scars or healing wounds. Aggressive rubbing can slow down the healing process or even make things worse
Step 4. Apply sunscreen
This is too often overlooked advice that can significantly reduce the appearance of scars. What many people fail to realize is that new scars are extremely sensitive to UVA rays and exposure to sunlight can make them much darker than they would otherwise be. By applying a sunscreen of at least SPF 30 to the skin just marked, darkening is significantly reduced.
If you have a large scar - or it's in a location that is often exposed to the sun - you may need to apply sunscreen regularly for up to a year, paying close attention to the scar's healing progress
Step 5. Massage your legs
Regular massage can help break up the fibrous tissue that causes scarring. It also improves circulation, which helps reduce skin blemishes. You can massage your legs in the shower with a body brush or you can rub each leg with your hands with long, circular massages.
Step 6. Use a concealer
A good concealer can work wonders for hiding scars on the legs. Make sure you get one that matches your complexion color and that blends well with the surrounding skin. If it's waterproof it's even better, if you think there may be unpredictable weather conditions; also if you can get yourself a make-up like that for the theater (which is much more covering than normal make-up) you can make the result even better, especially if you have particularly visible scars.
Method 2 of 4: Using Natural Remedies
Step 1. Apply vitamin E oil
Vitamin E has been used in various health and beauty treatments for many years, and many people claim that it is effective for scars. Its oil is moisturizing and contains powerful antioxidants, facilitates skin recovery and improves the appearance of damaged tissue.
- You can take vitamin E capsules by mouth or you can apply topical oil by breaking a capsule with a pin and applying the oil to the affected area.
- It is a good idea to try it on a small area of skin, before applying it to a large area, as in some people it causes an allergic reaction resulting in contact dermatitis.
- Be careful not to exceed the recommended daily dose of vitamin E oil, whether you are applying it topically or taking it orally.
Step 2. Try cocoa butter
It is a natural product that helps reduce the appearance of scars thanks to its moisturizing and emollient action on the outer and middle layers of the skin, while simultaneously smoothing the surface. You can use it pure or take a cocoa butter based lotion and apply it to the affected area 2 to 4 times a day.
- It is important to massage the product with circular movements, making sure that it is completely or almost completely absorbed by the skin.
- Keep in mind that cocoa butter is more effective on recent scars than older ones, although you can see positive results in both cases.
Step 3. Apply lemon juice
This is a classic home remedy for treating scars, but it is widely debated. It is believed that it reduces the appearance of scars due to its whitening properties and the fact that it considerably reduces redness, while at the same time having an exfoliating action that regenerates the skin. Although this solution has helped some people reduce their scars, it is not recommended by dermatologists, because lemon juice can be harsh and dry the skin, and it has not yet been scientifically proven to remove scars.
- If you decide to try this remedy, cut a small slice of lemon and squeeze the juice directly onto the affected skin. Leave it in place overnight or for several hours. Do not apply fresh juice more than once a day.
- If the pure juice seems too strong to you, you can dilute it with water before applying it or mix it with a little cucumber juice so that it is not as aggressive.
Step 4. Use aloe vera
It is a plant with known moisturizing and soothing properties. It is often used to treat burns, but it is also indicated as a natural cure for scars. It has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that make it more effective for recent scars (although it should not be applied to open wounds). Aloe vera soothes the skin and helps regenerate it, thus reducing the appearance of scars over time.
- To apply it, break a leaf from a plant and squeeze the clear, gelatinous sap directly onto the affected skin. Massage the gel by making small circular motions. Aloe vera is very delicate on the skin, so you can apply it up to four times a day.
- If you can't get the gel directly from the plant (although you should be able to find it in almost all nurseries) you can find many creams and lotions on the market that contain aloe vera extract, which can be just as effective.
Step 5. Give olive oil a try
Oil is another natural treatment believed to be effective for improving the appearance of scars. Especially extra virgin olive oil offers better results as it has a higher acidity level than other olive oils and a higher amount of vitamins E and K. The oil works by softening and moisturizing the skin, facilitating the reduction of the tissue scar, while its acidity exfoliates the skin.
- Apply the amount of a teaspoon of extra virgin olive oil on the affected area and massage with small circular movements until it is absorbed by the skin. You can also use it as an exfoliating scrub by mixing it with a teaspoon of baking soda. Massage the mixture into the scars before rinsing with warm water.
- You can improve the effectiveness of this treatment by combining it with another oil. Mix two parts of olive oil with one part of rosehip, calendula or chamomile oil and apply the mixture to the scars. The added oils increase the soothing properties of the olive oil.
Step 6. Try the cucumber
It is a safe and natural treatment considered effective for limiting scar tissue which simultaneously refreshes and relieves inflammation of the skin around the scar. Again, better results are achieved on more recent scars. To apply, peel and coarsely chop a cucumber and make a paste by mincing the pulp with a food processor until it reaches a pasty consistency. Apply a light layer of this paste on the scars and leave it on overnight, or apply a thicker layer and rinse it off after 20 minutes.
- Cover and place the residual mixture in the refrigerator, so it will keep for several days and you can continue applying it to the affected area every evening.
- You can improve the effectiveness of this treatment by mixing the cucumber paste with some of the products listed above, such as lemon juice, olive oil or aloe vera.
Method 3 of 4: Using Over-the-Counter Products
Step 1. Try a cream or gel to reduce scars
You can find many products available in pharmacies that do not require a prescription suitable for reducing the appearance or even eliminating scars. Their effectiveness depends on the type and severity of your scars.
- Although doctors are skeptical about the success rates of such creams, many people have found products like Mederma and others based on vitamin K to be effective.
- Mederma works well for stretch marks and other types of scars when applied systematically 3-4 times a day, for up to six months. Softens and smoothes scars on the legs or anywhere else on the body.
Step 2. Use the silicone gel sheets
These are a great and innovative way to manage scars, especially those that look particularly unsightly. These are self-adhesive gel sheets that stick to the skin, the silicone works by moisturizing, softening and blending scars. You can easily find them on the market without the need for a prescription or online and each pack usually guarantees autonomy for 8 - 12 weeks.
This treatment has proven effective in healing scars, but it takes time and patience to achieve noticeable results. The gel sheets should be applied to the scar every day for 12 hours a day for a period of 2 - 3 months
Step 3. Try lightening creams
Bleaching creams, such as those containing hydroquinone, reduce the appearance of scars, such as stretch marks and dark spots due to hyperpigmentation that causes dark brown, black, bright red or purple scars. These creams have the property of lightening the color of scars, making them less noticeable over time.
- Keep in mind that hydroquinone-based creams, while effective, have been banned across the European Union because they are believed to be carcinogenic and increase the risk of skin cancer.
- Hydroquinone products are still available in the United States as over-the-counter products, in concentrations up to 2%. For higher percentage quantities a prescription is required.
Method 4 of 4: Relying on Medical Treatments
Step 1. Try dermabrasion
It is a method of skin exfoliation that is obtained by using a wire brush or a moving diamond wheel that eliminates the upper layers of the skin above and around the scar. In the weeks following the procedure, new skin cells will grow back and the appearance of the scar will significantly reduce. This procedure is usually used for acne and other scars on the face, although it can be performed on the legs by a qualified surgeon. Leg dermabrasion is a delicate process, as the skin in these areas is very thin and you run the risk of doing more damage if done incorrectly.
- Leg dermabrasion is typically only recommended for dark spots or jagged scars caused by mosquito bites, etc. Hypertrophic scars or keloids (raised scars) should not be treated with this technique.
- Make an appointment with a qualified plastic surgeon who can analyze your scars and determine if dermabrasion is suitable for your specific case. Know that this type of cosmetic procedure is usually not covered by health care.
Step 2. Get a chemical peel
This can be considered to surface scars on the legs and is particularly effective for those caused by hyperpigmentation. During the procedure, a dermatologist applies a layer of acid solution to the damaged skin and lets it act for about two minutes. You will likely experience a burning sensation, which should stop once the acid is neutralized and the solution washed off. In the two weeks following the treatment the upper layers of the skin will begin to peel off, leaving a new smooth layer of epidermis.
- Depending on the type of scar, it may take several treatments before you notice a noticeable difference in the appearance of the skin.
- Be aware that the new skin that forms after the chemical peel is particularly sensitive and it is necessary to protect it by avoiding exposure to the sun by applying sunscreen with a high protection factor for several weeks.
Step 3. Try laser treatment
It is an excellent opportunity to improve the appearance of deeper scars compared to the targeted treatments of dermabrasion and chemical peels. The laser procedure burns the scar tissue allowing the growth of a new layer of fresh skin that replaces the one with the scar. The area is numbed with a special cream before the procedure, so that the treatment is not too painful. Another advantage of this technique is that the laser precisely locates the scar, so the surrounding skin remains unaffected.
- You should only undergo this treatment in a recognized and qualified clinic, with well-trained staff, as lasers can be dangerous if used incorrectly.
- It may be necessary to return to the clinic on several occasions to completely remove the scar. The disadvantage of this procedure is that the laser treatment is quite expensive, it could be between 1000 and 5000 euros, depending on the size and depth of the scar.
Step 4. Get steroid injections
These are particularly effective in the case of keloid scars, which are notoriously difficult to remove. If the keloids are small, steroids, which contain substances such as hydrocortisone, are injected directly into the skin around the scar. Larger keloids are sometimes excised or treated with cryotherapy before steroids are inserted into the skin.
- Steroid treatment is more of a time-consuming process, rather than a one-time procedure, and you need to return to the clinic every two to three weeks to receive another injection.
- It is a highly successful treatment, but it is relatively expensive and can cause spots on the skin in dark-skinned patients. Consult a cosmetic surgeon to see if this treatment is right for you.
Step 5. Try collagen or other fillers
Injections of collagen or other fats can be very helpful in improving the appearance of jagged scars, such as small ulcerations caused by chickenpox. Collagen is a natural animal protein, which is injected into the skin with a fine needle, thus filling the jagged scars. Although it is a very effective procedure, the results are not permanent, as the body absorbs this substance over time. It is necessary to undergo new sessions after about four months.
- Each collagen injection costs around 300 euros, so if you decide to go for this procedure, be aware that it can be quite expensive.
- It is essential to undergo a skin test before giving any collagen injections, to make sure you do not have any allergic reactions to the treatment.
