You can apply scar treatment cream to boil scars anywhere on your body. Be sure to let the boil heal fully before applying the cream, though. Common brands of scar treatment gels include NewGel, BioCorneum, and Kelo-cote. These products are designed to shrink scar tissue and to lighten its appearance. Many scar gels also contain medium-SPF sunblock. The sunblock will help protect your scars from being damaged and darkened by sunlight.
Silicone gel has no side effects and does not cause pain when it’s applied to scar tissue. [4] X Research source Silicone gel works slowly. In most cases, you’ll need to apply the gel for at least 6 months before you begin to see results. While this may feel like a discouraging amount of time to wait, don’t give up! Silicone products work well and are very effective, so you’ll likely be happy with the results. If you don’t see results within 9-10 months, ask your doctor if another treatment method would be more effective. [5] X Research source Silicone gel is widely sold at drugstores and pharmacies. You can also check for it in the pharmacy section of a large supermarket. You can also tape a silicone gel sheet on the scar for 12-24 hours per day for 2-6 months. Wash the sheet daily and replace it with a new one every 10-14 days.
Look for skin creams and exfoliating serums that contain either glycolic acid or a combination of salicylic-mandelic acids. Chemical exfoliating creams may cause discomfort on sensitive skin (e. g. , around your mouth or eyes). If you feel a burning sensation when you apply the exfoliator, stop using this treatment method immediately.
Studies have shown that vitamin E creams have mixed results. In some cases, vitamin E creams significantly lighten the appearance of scars, while in other cases, they have little to no effect. Vitamin E creams can have mild side effects, including slight itching and a mild rash.
In some cases, you may need to visit your general practitioner first and ask for a referral to see a dermatologist. Dermatologists are used to dealing with all kinds of scars, including scars from boils. The doctor should be friendly and encouraging, and can help relieve whatever worries you may have about the appearance of your scars!
Depending on the severity of your boil scars and the number that you’d like treated, laser treatment can cost anywhere from $200-$2,000 USD. Laser treatment can be a little uncomfortable, although you’ll be given a topical anesthetic in most cases. You may still feel a burning or itching sensation. The treatment may also create additional scarring. The post-treatment recovery period takes from 3-10 days. Before performing any laser treatment, the dermatologist will ask about your medical history. They may also prescribe you an antiviral medication to prevent viral infection following the surgery.
Minor skin surgeries are typically outpatient surgeries, meaning you’ll be given a local anesthetic and released from the hospital shortly after the surgery is finished. The surgery won’t hurt, and the post-surgery recovery period should only take 2-3 days. If the surgery isn’t covered by your medical insurance, it could cost between $300-$1,000 USD. Scar-removal surgery is typically an outpatient surgery, although you may be given full anesthesia. Ask the doctor if it’s OK to eat and drink the day of your surgery.
There is some risk of skin damage or scarring in the case of chemical peels. Talk through the risks and possible side effects with your doctor before you agree to a chemical peel. Scars left by boils typically aren’t very deep. This means that you’ll likely need a relatively minor skin peel, which may cost as little as $150-$300 USD. The recovery period for a skin peel typically lasts about 7-14 days. Your doctor will direct you to keep the skin moist and wear sunscreen for 1-2 weeks.
The injections shouldn’t hurt any more than receiving a vaccination. If you find them uncomfortable, ask the doctor for a local anesthetic. If the boil scars respond to the treatment well, the dermatologist may continue the injections for a few months. In some cases, people’s bodies don’t respond well to the steroid injections. If your doctor sees signs of side effects, they may decide to discontinue the steroid treatment. If a corticosteroid injection doesn’t work, you can also try getting an intralesional fluorouracil injection instead. However, it may increase the recurrence of boils by 47%.
If you apply facial makeup as part of your daily routine, blend the camouflage makeup in with your regular foundation. Unlike ordinary make-up, camouflaging make-up stays in place for 2–3 days and completely covers up facial scar tissue. Camouflaging make-up works especially well for 1 or 2 mild boil scars on your face. Also use camouflage make-up for boil scars on your neck, hands, or arms.
For example, if you have boil scars on your legs, wear loose-fitting linen pants that won’t irritate the scar tissue but that will protect the boil scars from harmful sun rays. Wear a broad spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 50 that protects against UVA and UVB rays to adequately protect your boil scar from sun damage. If you’re going to be in the sun for more than 3–4 hours, re-apply the sunscreen as often as the packaging directs. If you have boil scars on your face or neck, you could also try wearing a large-brimmed hat to cover up the scar tissue and protect it from the sun.
Purchase petroleum jelly at any pharmacy, drugstore, or large grocery store.
