If you've ever had a boil, you'll know that large scars are unsightly. Luckily, boils will fade over time, and there are ways to minimize and fade them. Boils usually grow on warm and moist areas of the body, such as the armpits, nostrils, and inner thighs. It's natural to be embarrassed, but don't worry. Many people experience it, and the scars will disappear within a year.
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Method 1 of 3: Using Natural and Over-the-counter Remedies
Step 1. Try an over-the-counter scar cream
Dispense a small amount of cream onto your finger and rub it over the boil. When rubbed evenly, the cream will seep into the scar tissue of the boil. If the cream is still visible after applying, you may have used too much. Let stand for 3-5 hours before washing, unless there are other instructions on the product packaging.
- You can apply a scar treatment cream to any part of the body. However, make sure the boil is completely healed.
- Commonly used scar care gel brands are NewGel, BioCorneum, and Kelo-cote. This product is designed to shrink scar tissue and fade its color. Most of these gels also contain a medium SPF sunscreen. Sunscreen will help protect the scar from getting worse and darker by the sun.
Step 2. Apply silicone gel to fade the appearance of boils
Take out quite a bit of gel and rub it over the scar tissue. Wait 4-5 minutes for the gel to dry, and then put on clothes or cover the former. In most cases, you only need to apply the gel twice a day. Continue to use twice a day until the boil is reduced and the texture is thin.
- Silicone gel has no side effects and does not cause pain when applied to scar tissue.
- The silicone gel works slowly. In most cases, you will have to apply the gel for at least 6 months before you can see results. Even if it seems like a long time, don't give up. Silicone products are great and effective, and you will be pleased with the results.
- If you don't see satisfactory results within 9–10 months, ask your doctor if there are other, more effective treatment methods.
- Silicone gel is available over-the-counter at drugstores and pharmacies. You can also get them in supermarkets, in the pharmaceuticals section.
- You can also use the silicone gel paste 12–24 hours per day for 2–6 months. Wash the silicone patch daily and replace it with a new one every 10–14 days.
Step 3. Use pressure garments or body wraps to reduce scars
Make sure you buy a product with a rating of 20-30 mmHg. Use 12–24 hours per day for 2–6 months to reduce the size of the boil and prevent the risk of recurrence after surgery.
Step 4. Use a chemical exfoliant to even out the boil
Chemical exfoliants are usually over-the-counter, so you can buy them at pharmacies. Take a small amount on your fingertips and rub it on the boil. If used correctly, an exfoliating cream will form a thin layer that covers the scar. Repeat 2-3 times a day (or as recommended on the package), the scars will shrink and fade.
- Look for exfoliating skin creams and serums that contain glycolic acid or a salicylic-mandelic acid combination.
- Chemical exfoliating creams can be uncomfortable for sensitive skin (for example, around the eyes or mouth). If you feel a burning sensation, stop using it.
Step 5. Apply vitamin E cream on the scar for a more natural alternative
Purchase a skin care cream that contains vitamin E. Apply a thin layer to the scar once a day for 2-3 weeks until the scar tissue fades. Consult your doctor first before using vitamin E cream if you are already using exfoliating ingredients or other scar treatment creams.
- Studies show that vitamin E creams produce different results. In some cases, vitamin E cream significantly reduces the appearance of scars, while in other cases it has no effect.
- Vitamin E creams can cause mild side effects, such as mild itching and a slight rash.
Method 2 of 3: Getting Medical Treatment
Step 1. Visit a dermatologist if the scar doesn't fade after you've treated yourself
If you've tried several over-the-counter treatments and don't see a significant effect, check with your doctor. Visit a dermatologist and tell him how long the boil has been around. In addition, inform what treatments you have done. Your doctor will examine your boil and take a small sample of skin for lab analysis.
- In some cases, you will need to see your GP first and ask for a referral to see a dermatologist.
- Dermatologists are used to treating various types of scars, including boils. A positive and friendly doctor can help ease your concerns about physical appearance issues.
Step 2. Ask your doctor about laser treatment
Boils that are large or deep usually leave deep scars formed from thick scar tissue. Scars like these usually don't respond to over-the-counter treatments. However, dermatologists can use a laser with a highly focused beam to repair the skin's surface by thinning the scar tissue. In some cases, the laser can remove scar tissue up to 100%. Therefore, laser treatment is becoming a popular option.
- The cost of laser treatment varies greatly depending on the severity and number of boils.
- Laser treatment can be a bit painful, but usually you will be given a topical anesthetic. You will still feel a burning or itching sensation. This treatment can also cause additional scars. The recovery period ranges from 3 to 10 days.
- Before giving laser treatment, the dermatologist will ask about your medical history. You will also be prescribed antiviral medication to prevent viral infection after the procedure.
Step 3. Undergo minor skin surgery to remove the scar tissue from the boil
Dermatologists and skin surgeons can perform minor surgery to remove persistent scar tissue. Surgery is very common in cases of large scars that form from several separate boils. Doctors may use a punch excision procedure that removes the boil tissue and sutures or grafts the skin. Although it may seem scary or uncomfortable, surgery is a reliable and safe way to remove boils.
- Minor skin surgery is usually an outpatient procedure. This means that you will be given a local anesthetic and will be able to go home as soon as the surgery is complete. The surgery is painless, with a recovery period lasting only 2-3 days.
- If not covered by insurance, minor skin surgery usually costs tens of millions.
- Even though it is an outpatient procedure, you may be given general anesthesia. Ask your doctor if you can eat and drink on the day of surgery.
Step 4. Request a chemical peel to remove scars from large areas of skin
Dermatologists often use chemical peels to remove burned skin tissue. This treatment involves applying a high-potency acid to the scar tissue over a short period of time to remove the scar and fade its appearance. Patients usually receive a topical anesthetic so the procedure is painless. If the boil is large or numerous, ask if exfoliating is the right option for you.
- Chemical peels carry the risk of skin damage or scarring. Discuss the risks and side effects with your doctor before agreeing to this procedure.
- The boil is usually not that deep. This means that you need a relatively light exfoliation at a cost of millions of rupiah.
- The recovery period for exfoliation usually lasts about 7–14 days. Your doctor will instruct you to keep your skin moisturized and wear sunscreen for 1-2 weeks.
Step 5. Talk to your doctor about corticosteroid injections to flatten the boil
For raised, textured boils, a dermatologist may give corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation and even out scar tissue. In most cases, your doctor will give you 3 or 4 injections 4–6 weeks apart each. The total cost is in the tens of millions, but ask if it can be covered by insurance.
- These injections are no more painful than vaccinations. If you feel uncomfortable, ask for a local anesthetic.
- If the effect is seen, the dermatologist may continue the injections for several months.
- In some cases, the human body does not respond well to steroid injections. If there are signs of side effects, the doctor may stop treatment with steroids.
- If corticosteroid injections don't work, you can also try an intralesional injection of fluorouracil. However, there is a 47% increased risk of boils growing back.
Method 3 of 3: Covering and Protecting Boils
Step 1. Use camouflage cosmetics to cover the boil
If you don't want to try surgery or medical procedures, it's best to cover them up. Purchase camouflage cosmetics at a pharmacy or online store. Try 3-4 colors until you find the one that is closest to your skin tone. Use a makeup brush to apply this cosmetic on the boil until it's no longer visible.
- If you apply makeup every day, blend camouflage cosmetics with foundation.
- Unlike ordinary cosmetics, camouflage cosmetics can last 2-3 days and can completely cover scar tissue.
- Camouflage cosmetics are great for covering a boil or two on the face. In addition, use it also for boils on the neck, hands, or arms.
Step 2. Wear sunscreen or protective clothing to protect the boil from the sun
Scar tissue is very sensitive to UV rays from the sun. If you spend a lot of time outdoors, or more than 30 minutes per day, the boil will darken. So, apply sunscreen on the boil at least 20 minutes before leaving the house. If you don't want to use sunscreen, wear loose clothing that can protect the boil from the sun.
- For example, if the boil is on the leg, wear loose-fitting linen pants that don't irritate the scar tissue but can protect it from the sun's harmful rays.
- Wear a broad spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 50 to protect the boil from UVA and UVB rays and prevent sun damage.
- If you must be out in the sun for more than 3-4 hours, reapply sunscreen as often as recommended on the package.
- If the boil is on your face or neck, you can also wear a wide-brimmed hat to cover and protect the scar tissue from the sun.
Step 3. Keep the scar tissue moist by applying petrolatum (vaceline) daily
Apply petrolatum to the boil once a day. In addition to softening the boil, the petrolatum jelly will protect it from getting damaged and drying out. This is very important in the first month after the boil has healed so that the skin can regenerate.
Petrolatum can be purchased at pharmacies, drug stores, or supermarkets
Tips
- Common home remedies used to get rid of boils are aloe vera, olive oil, and honey. However, this treatment has no medical backing and may not be very effective.
- Silicone gel is usually sold in sheets that can be applied directly to the boil and left on for several hours.
- Medical studies show that onion extract is very effective in shrinking and fading scar tissue. Go to the pharmacy and read the ingredient labels of various treatment creams until you find one that contains onion extract.
