Several treatments and remedies can help you minimize the scar’s appearance, including those related to cosmetic surgery. However, that depends on the type of scar you have. This article discusses different types of scars, natural and OTC treatment options, other ways to manage them, and additional tips to prevent scarring on the legs. Scroll down to learn more. According to a study conducted on 11,100 individuals, 48.5% of the participants reported having at least one scar. For 50.8% of the participants, their most recent scar occurred due to a disease or accidental reasons. Additionally, 22% of them reported that their most recent scar was less than a year old.
Causes And Types Of Scars On The Legs
Burns, injury, weight loss, cuts, and bruises – multiple factors can leave behind scars on your legs. Some of the common types of scars include:
1. Contracture
Contractures occur when the skin contracts upon healing. This type of scar pulls the skin edges, causing skin tightening. It is the characteristic scar caused by burns and can restrict movement, especially when it affects the nerves, tendons, joints, and muscles.
2. Atrophic Scars
Atrophic or depressed scars result from skin inflammation caused by conditions like chickenpox, injury, boils, and abscesses. There are many types of Atrophic acne scars, such as boxcar scars, ice pick scars, and rolling scars. They appear as small, rounded pits or indentations. They can become prominent with age.
3. Flat Scars (Cicatrix)
Such scars may initially appear pinkish and slightly raised. They eventually level out as they heal. Flat scars often become pale or darker than the surrounding skin and are caused by injuries.
4. Keloids
Keloids are scar tissues that appear shiny and hairless and rise above skin surfaces. They grow larger than the actual wound and are caused due to a variety of reasons, ranging from skin conditions like acne to surgical procedures. Depending on their location, keloids may affect movement.
5. Hypertrophic Scars
Hypertrophic scars rise above the skin surface, and they do not spread out like keloids (1). They are caused by mild cutaneous injuries like insect bites, vaccination, and skin piercing. Although they get smaller with time, they do not flatten entirely.
6. Stretch Marks
Stretch marks are the most common forms of scars resulting from rapid skin expansion or contraction, which damage the connective tissues. You may develop such scars during puberty, pregnancy, body building, or weight fluctuations. It is possible to develop any of these scars on your legs. In the next section, we have discussed the ways to fade and treat them.
Natural And OTC Treatments For Scars On The Legs
Treating Burn Scars On The Legs
Contracture scars result from excess collagen production to repair the damage. However, they may also develop into hypertrophic and keloid scars. A few prominent burn scar treatments are:
Apply self-drying silicone gel to get rid of hypertrophic and keloid scars caused by second and third-degree burns (2). Shield the scars from UV exposure and apply sunscreen with a minimum SPF 30 or above. Speak to your dermatologist about your keloids/hypertrophic scars. Many effective treatment options like steroid injections, cryotherapy, and debulking procedures are now proven to be effective in the longer run.
Chinenye Rita Ifepe, a vlogger, shared how she dealt with scars and dark spots on her body, particularly her legs. She offers three different solutions to treat marks on your leg depending on how bad they are. She says, “The beginner level is for people who have minor scars or spots. Whose scars are not old you know… Intermediate, if you have dark spots, a lot of dark spots. They’re not too new, they’re not too old. Intermediate will work just as fine for old scars if you’re consistent…For the advanced level, if you don’t have time to waste, if you have the means right. You want to get rid of your scars and spots immediately, as soon as possible, then the advanced level is for you (i).” She recommends a combination of an exfoliating lotion and kojic acid soap for beginner scars, tretinoin or an exfoliant and a spot lightener for intermediate scars, and chemical peels or a laser treatment for advanced scars. She also recommends applying sunscreen and wearing protective clothing when heading out.
Treating Acne Scars On The Legs
Acne on the legs is rare. However, you may develop folliculitis (inflamed hair follicles), caused by Staphylococcus aureus. It is often mistaken as acne and results from improper shaving (razor bumps) or ingrown hair removal. Scratching the bumps may leave behind scars. To minimize them, you can talk to the doctor. They may prescribe:
Topical antibiotic creams, gels, and lotions Hydrocortisone creams to reduce itching and irritation Antifungal pills and creams (if it is caused by fungus) Wet wraps to prevent inflammation and scarring Laser spot removal treatment or chemical peeling (for severe scarring)
Treating Bug Bite Scars On The Legs
While bug bites are generally harmless, they can cause hyperpigmentation and scarring due to scratching and inflammation. To treat them:
Apply aloe vera gel to soothe the inflammation. Massage the area to promote blood flow to your legs. This may boost collagen production and reduce scar appearance. Moisturize and exfoliate the skin on your legs often. Minimize the chance of infections by applying antibacterial ointments.
Treating Eczema Scars On The Legs
Eczema does not leave behind scars. However, itching and scratching the eczematic patches can cause scarring. Minimizing the flare-ups is the way to prevent scarring. You may try the following methods:
Indulge in a 30-minute oatmeal bath occasionally as it can moisturize and exfoliate your skin (3). Massaging the skin with hemp seed oil can strengthen the skin barrier and soothe eczema (4). Use OTC medications, such as oral antihistaminesi A drug or compound that counteracts the effects of histamine produced by cells to heal an injury or check an allergy. , and steroid creams like hydrocortisonei The hormone cortisol when prescribed as a medication. It is widely used to treat inflammation, itching, allergic reactions, and rashes. creams to alleviate eczemai A skin condition involving patches of dry, itchy, red and swollen skin caused by soaps, detergents, dry weather or certain organisms. symptoms.
Treating Injury-Related Scars On The Legs
Injuries lead to scab formation, and picking them can leave behind scars. To fade scab scars on the legs:
Avoid picking at the scab or removing it forcefully. Massage a solution of lavender essential oil and extra virgin olive oil onto the affected region. This can keep the area moisturized and fade scars on your legs. Apply aloe vera gel (plant based / bottled) on a regular basis is known to promote complete repair.
Treating Stretch Mark Scars On The Legs
You may develop stretch mark scars around your knees, calves, and thighs during puberty (due to growth spurt) and pregnancy (due to weight gain) or sudden weight loss. At first, they appear as red and purple lines (fresh scars), which later turn white (old scars). Treating the scars while they are fresh can fade them. You may try the following methods:
Exfoliate your skin regularly. You may use a physical scrub or homemade sugar scrub. Massaging the area with virgin coconut oil can speed up the wound healing process and collagen production, which may help fade scars (5). Massaging the area with products containing Centella asiaticai A healing herb, also known as gotu kola, used to treat various skin conditions, such as eczema, leprosy and psoriasis. and hyaluronic acid may show promising results and fade stretch marks (6). Massaging the area with tea tree oil may help. The oil contains antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antiseptic properties that may benefit your skin (7), (8), (9). These properties also inhibit microbial growth and promote faster healing of fresh cuts and wounds. Accelerated healing may help minimize the risk of scarring.
However, ensure you are not allergic to any of these oils and do a patch test before applying them. Stop use and consult a doctor if you experience any allergies.
Treating Old And Dark Scars On Legs
Older scars may undergo hyperpigmentation and turn darker than the surrounding skin. While it is tough to get rid of older scars, you may try these methods:
Applying onion extract gel can help soften scar tissues, improve their texture, reduce redness, and refine their appearance (10). Chemical exfoliators containing glycolic acid can improve the appearance of stubborn atrophic scarsi They occur when the skin heals below the normal layer of skin tissue after an injury but is not able to generate enough tissues. (11). Using a sugar scrub may also help improve the appearance of scarring. It works by removing any damaged tissue from wounds and even reduces odor (12).
Silicone sheets and gels are known to improve even the most severe hypertrophic and keloid scars (13).
When To Consult A Doctor For Scars On The Legs
If the scarring on your legs is severe and affecting mobility, consult a licensed dermatologist to perform medical treatments to reduce scarring and related issues. Some of the techniques that they may employ include:
Pressure dressing Laser therapy Steroid injections Cryosurgery Chemical peeling Dermabrasion and microdermabrasion Dermal filling Botox treatment Microneedling Scar removal surgery Subcision and excision
Effective wound management is crucial for scar healing. Here are a few more tips to help you manage scars on the legs.
Tips On How To Prevent Or Get Rid Of Scars On The Legs Fast
In case of an injury, rinse your legs with cold or lukewarm water and allow the wound to air dry. Apply antibacterial cream to prevent infection. Keep the scars (or wound) covered and protect them from direct UV exposure. Apply sunscreen whenever you step out. Avoid picking at the scab that forms over a wound. Begin treating the scar as soon as it appears. During the skin healing process, apply moisturizer to soften scar tissues and maintain skin elasticity. You may try bleaching creams to address hyperpigmentation but strictly after active wound healing has completed. You may try bleaching creams to address hyperpigmentation. Use skin care products enriched with vitamin E, cocoa butter, aloe vera, and essential oils to fade scars. Massage your legs frequently to break down any fibrous tissues within the scar.
Can aloe vera remove scars on legs? Using aloe vera may help reduce the scars and heal your skin. In addition, it may soothe the inflammation and help repair the skin. How can I lighten the dark spots on my legs? Mix 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar with 6 tablespoons of water. Use a cotton pad and apply the mixture to the dark spots to reduce their appearance. Repeat daily and moisturize the area afterward. How long does it typically take to see results when using scar treatments on legs? Topical treatments for scars can take up to weeks to show visible results with consistent use. Treatments like laser therapy and dermabrasion take multiple sessions. However, results depend on the type of scar, skin type, age of the individual, and other factors. Is it possible to completely remove scars on the legs? Depending on the type of scars, some may disappear completely, while others may require multiple treatments. Are there any specific lifestyle factors, such as diet or exercise, that can help in scar reduction? Lifestyle changes cannot directly affect the appearance of a scar. However, maintaining a healthy lifestyle and balanced diet may help promote healthier skin and faster scar healing post-treatment. Can applying vitamin E oil or other natural oils help in minimizing leg scars? Yes, using nourishing oils may help improve the appearance of certain types of scars over time and also hydrate the legs, making them softer. Can camouflage makeup or self-tanners help in concealing leg scars? Makeup and self-tanners can easily hide surface scars that are not pitted or formed into the skin. Want to know how to remove old scars from your legs? Dive into this video to get some tips and tricks to get rid of those pesky scars quickly and easily.
