“Is there anything to help with scars? I am so embarrassed.”

• A MyEczemaTeam member

“I need help with something to soften the scar tissue on hands and feet caused by years of scratching. It’s like elephant hide, and nothing softens it.”

• A MyEczemaTeam member

“My body is badly scarred. Especially my face! Can anyone pleeeeease help me? 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽”

• A MyEczemaTeam member

Eczema scarring is a source of embarrassment and frustration for many members on MyEczemaTeam. It’s common for members to ask for and share treatments to reduce the appearance of scars.

Some members have found success with over-the-counter lotions and creams as well as home remedies. Suggestions include:

• Applying a prescribed or over-the-counter cream and covering it with plastic wrap overnight. “I found that it did a good job of softening the skin after repeating for a couple of days.” (Note that wrapping increases the amount of medication that is absorbed, and can raise the risk for side effects. Ask your doctor about applying wraps over medicated areas.)

• Applying black seed oil to scars. “I’m trying black seed oil. My cousin told me to try it because it helped with his eczema.”

• Taking measures to prevent future scarring. “Growing up my mom would put socks on my hands and cut my finger nails very short. I still do this as an adult when it gets bad. It really helps.”

It’s important to consult a health care provider about scar minimizing treatments to ensure you don’t aggravate your skin condition. Your provider can also help you understand which solutions are evidence-based.

On MyEczemaTeam, the social network and online support group for those living with eczema, members talk about a range of personal experiences and struggles. Minimizing scars is one of the most discussed topics.

Here are some conversations about scars:
 

• “I have to wear turtlenecks to disguise the scarring.”

• “All I can see is scars everywhere.”

• “The scarring is clearing up.”

Here is a question-and-answer thread about scars:

• Can I reverse thickened skin and scarring from eczema?

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Do eczema scars bother you? Have you had success minimizing scarring? Share your experiences at MyEczemaTeam.com.