“I have to wear long sleeves in 90-degree weather because my scars are so horrible. I’m embarrassed,” one MyEczemaTeam member said. Another shared, “I know there is no cure for eczema, but I at least want a really good treatment for my marks and dark spots it has left on my body.”

Scars left behind after bouts of itching and scratching can be a frustrating aspect of living with moderate to severe eczema. You may wonder, “How do I get my skin back to normal after eczema?”

Everyone’s skin may react differently to treatments, but some options can help manage eczema scars. Finding ways to address scarring can be tricky when you have sensitive skin, so work with your dermatologist to find the best approach for treatment and to prevent further scarring.

How To Prevent Eczema Scars

The best way to reduce eczema scars is to prevent them from developing. Eczema scars, although not common, may be the result of picking and scratching skin. If you’re experiencing an eczema flare-up and itchy skin, reach out to your dermatologist. Often, a prescription eczema treatment is enough to ease the itchiness and minimize damage.

If you develop open wounds from scratching skin with eczema, keep the area clean and covered to help reduce the risk of skin infections and scabbing. Use petroleum jelly (such as Vaseline) to help keep a wound moisturized. If wounds scab, they may heal more slowly and are more likely to leave a scar.

Drinking plenty of water and using a humidifier to keep your skin hydrated can go a long way toward preventing dry skin and reducing the itch-scratch cycle. Be sure to clean your humidifier according to the manufacturer’s directions to avoid bacteria and mold.

How To Heal Eczema Scars

Reducing the appearance of scars may involve several skin care approaches, including sunscreen, nutrition, moisturizers, and dermatologic procedures.

Use Sun Protection

Sunburns and sun exposure can prevent scars from fading and make them darker, so be sure to cover up affected areas until your skin has healed. Wearing loose-fitting clothing and staying in the shade can offer some protection if heavy sunscreens further irritate your skin. Once the area has started healing, apply a fragrance-free, broad-spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 30 to help minimize discoloration and promote fading.

Eat for Skin Integrity

Some people with eczema prefer to try to get rid of eczema scars naturally. Certain nutrients can play an important role in promoting skin health from within, and well-nourished skin is more likely to heal faster and more completely. Vitamin C, zinc, and protein are essential nutrients that may help your body rebuild its skin barrier. Foods rich in vitamin C include broccoli and strawberries. Zinc can be found in protein-rich foods like beans, seafood, chicken, and beef, as well as in fortified grains.

Talk to your doctor before trying a new eating plan for your skin health or eczema. They can provide advice, refer you to a dietitian, and help you prevent nutritional deficiencies. Some skin conditions and wounds may require specific nutritional recommendations, so it’s best to speak to ask a healthcare provider for guidance.

Try Topical Moisturizers, Lotions, and Creams

Several prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) creams may help reduce scarring from eczema or other causes. What’s the best eczema scar removal cream? For OTC options, preparations containing onion extract, aloe vera, or vitamin E have shown mixed results for wound healing but are generally considered safe and may benefit some people.

Plant Derivatives

Some plant oils and ingredients have been shown to help protect and moisturize healing skin, which can help reduce the chance of scarring. Promising ingredients for eczema may include:

• Borage oil — This substance has been shown to support skin barrier function in children with atopic dermatitis and seborrheic dermatitis (types of eczema).
• Coconut oil — This edible oil helps encourage wound healing and improve skin barrier function.
• Oat oil and colloidal oatmeal — This combination has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and has been shown to help reduce inflammation.

Hydroquinone

Another common product for scar treatment is a skin-bleaching chemical called hydroquinone, which may reduce scar pigmentation. You can find OTC hydroquinone in 2 percent concentrations, and higher potencies are available by prescription. However, long-term use of hydroquinone poses some health concerns. When using hydroquinone, it’s important to avoid contact with your eyes and be diligent about wearing sunscreen. Stop using hydroquinone if your skin isn’t tolerating it well.

Silicone Dioxide

Topical silicone dioxide may help soften thicker, bumpy scars. This popular ingredient in OTC scar gels is often effective after surgery to heal wounds.

Although these products may work for some people, they may cause irritation, infection, or worsening of eczema symptoms in others. It’s important to remember that everyone’s skin is different. Using new topical products and treatments can bring some risks and potential side effects, especially if you have sensitive skin. It’s best to talk to your healthcare provider or dermatologist before trying out any OTC products. They can advise you on what might be best for your skin and which products won’t negatively interact with your current treatment plan.

Look Into Medical Procedures

When topical eczema scar treatments haven’t been effective, some people turn to medical procedures to fade eczema scars. Older scars may sometimes be treated with procedures such as laser resurfacing, microdermabrasion, microneedling, cortisone injections, or chemical peels. Be sure to consult an experienced dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon to determine if any of these procedures are a good choice for your needs. Laser treatment can improve the appearance of scars but won’t get rid of them. These procedures are also costly.

Results from procedures like laser treatment take time to become noticeable. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends taking important precautions to get the best results. These include closely following your healthcare provider’s instructions, plus:

• Quitting smoking at least two weeks before the procedure
• Stopping use of retinoids and glycolic acid products
• Avoiding blood thinners such as aspirin
• Protecting your skin from exposure to ultraviolet light

Ask to see before-and-after pictures of healed eczema scars to get a realistic idea of what to expect from any procedures.

Talk With Others Who Understand

MyEczemaTeam is the social network for people with eczema and their loved ones. On MyEczemaTeam, more than 54,000 members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with eczema.

Do you have eczema scars? What tips do you have for others on managing and healing scarring? Share your experience in the comments below, or start a conversation by posting on your Activities page.