How to Get Rid of Scratch Marks on Skin [9 Effective Methods]

How to get rid of scratch marks on skin?

My scars tell stories, but there are times when they can also leave me feeling less confident, and I don’t want to keep all of them. That led me to wonder if you can remove scars and scratch marks.

There are several ways to remove scars and scratch marks. You can use gels and creams as well as laser treatments, and there are even natural remedies that can reduce the swelling and leave them practically invisible.

In this guide, I will take you through some of the most popular and effective methods to get rid of scratch marks.

Key Takeaways:

• Scars can be removed using a product like Tea Tree Oil, which is an anti-inflammatory.
• Scars can also be removed using medicated creams and silicone gel
• Scars can also be removed surgically

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How to Get Rid of Scratch Marks on Skin?

Whether you want to get rid of STRETCH MARKS or an acne scar, the methods below can be used for all blemishes on the skin.

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1. Using Silicone Gel or Silicone Sheets

One of the most COMMON ways to get rid of scars is to use silicone gel or silicone sheets.

These work by creating a barrier between the scar and the surrounding skin, which:

• Reduces the amount of friction on the scar, helping to prevent further irritation.
• It holds in moisture, keeping the scar area hydrated and less likely to form new scars.
• Protects the scar from dirt and bacteria, which could cause infection.

2. Using Steroids

Steroids come in MANY forms, but the two most common are topical steroids and intralesional steroids.

Topical steroids are USUALLY applied to the skin once or twice a day, while intralesional steroids are injected directly into the scar.

Steroids work by:

• Reducing inflammation.
• Suppressing the immune system.
• Stimulating collagen production.

3. Using Laser Treatment

Laser treatment can be used to:

• Shrink the appearance of scars.
• Stimulate collagen production.
• Reduce the amount of pigment in scars.

Laser treatment is often used in COMBINATION with other scar treatments, such as steroids or silicone gel. It can be expensive and a little painful, but the results are WORTH it.

4. Using Dermal Fillers

Dermal fillers are another common way to REDUCE the appearance of scars. They work by:

• Filling in scars.
• Stimulating collagen production.

Dermal fillers can be made from a VARIETY of substances, such as:

• Hyaluronic acid.
• Calcium hydroxyapatite.
• Polylactic acid.

Dermal fillers are usually INJECTED into the skin, and the results can last for SIX months to TWO years.

Pro Tip: The main downside of dermal fillers is that they are NOT permanent, so you will need to keep getting them if you want to maintain the results.

5. Using Chemical Peels

Chemical peels are a popular way to improve the appearance of scars, as they can:

• Remove the top layer of the skin.
• Stimulate collagen production.

Chemical peels are usually done in a SERIES of THREE to SIX treatments, spaced about TWO to FOUR weeks apart.

Pro Tip: The main downside of chemical peels is that they can be a bit painful and may cause temporary redness, swelling, and skin peeling.

6. Using Subcision

Subcision is a type of surgery that is USED to treat scars that are under the skin. It works by:

• Cutting the scars that are tethered to the underlying skin.
• Releasing the scars from the skin.
• Allowing them to HEAL on their own.

Subcision is often used in combination with other scar treatments, such as steroids or silicone gel.

7. Using Microneedling

Microneedling is a type of treatment that can be used to:

• Shrink the appearance of scars.
• Stimulate collagen production.

Microneedling is done by making TINY punctures in the skin with a needle. This triggers the skin’s natural healing process, which helps to improve the appearance of scars.

Pro Tip: Microneedling is often done in a SERIES of THREE to SIX treatments, spaced about TWO to FOUR weeks apart.

8. Using Medicated Creams

Medicated creams are another common way to treat scars. They work by:

• Reducing inflammation.
• Stimulating collagen production.

Medicated creams can be made from a VARIETY of substances, such as:

• Hydroquinone.
• Retinoids.
• Vitamin C.

Medicated creams are usually APPLIED to the skin once or twice a day. The main downside of medicated creams is that they can be a bit expensive.

9. Using Natural Remedies

There are a VARIETY of natural remedies that can be used to treat scars. Some common ones include:

• Aloe vera.
• Coconut oil.
• Honey.
• Lavender oil.
• Lemon juice.
• Vitamin E lotion

Natural remedies are usually APPLIED to the skin once or twice a day. The main downside of natural remedies is that they can take LONGER to work than other treatments.

Pro Tip: All you really need to do is mix your natural ingredients with warm water and keep the skin moist with a clean towel for around 30 minutes to let it take effect.

However, it is a PROMISING treatment, as studies [1] have shown that natural remedies can be very effective in removing scratch marks and reducing the appearance of scars.

So how long do stretch marks actually take to heal? We are wondering this question, so keep reading to find out.

How Long Does it Take Stretch Marks to Heal?

Most scars will take SIX to twelve weeks to heal. However, some scars can take MONTHS or even YEARS to heal. There are even cases when they become permanent.

Scars can take a LONG time to heal, but there are a few things you can do to help speed up the process. Some things that can help scars heal faster include:

• Using an over-the-counter or prescription topical medication.
• Getting surgery to remove the scar.
• Using laser therapy to improve the appearance of scars.

If you are concerned about the appearance of scars, talk to your doctor about the best treatment options for you.

But how do scars actually form?

How Do Scars Form?

Scars form when the skin is injured, and the skin cells cannot repair it fully. The body produces collagen fibers to heal the injury, which can lead to scars [2].

Scars can be caused by a VARIETY of things, including:

• Acne.
• Burns.
• Cuts.
• Insect bites.
• Surgery.

There are two main types of scars:

• Keloid scars: Keloid scars are raised scars that can form when the body produces too much collagen.
• Hypertrophic scars: Hypertrophic scars are raised scars that do not grow beyond the boundaries of the injury.

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FAQs

Conclusion

There are several DIFFERENT ways to get rid of scars, including using medicated creams, natural remedies, and surgery.

They can indeed take a LONG time to heal, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get rid of scratch marks or at least reduce the appearance of scars.

I hope this guide has been able to give you a little hope and the opportunity to find new solutions to help you feel more confident.

Have you tried any of these methods to remove scratch marks on your skin? Let us know in the comments section!

Sources:

• 1. Hekmatpou D, Mehrabi F, Rahzani K, Aminiyan A. The Effect of Aloe Vera Clinical Trials on Prevention and Healing of Skin Wound: A Systematic Review. Iranian journal of medical sciences [Internet]. Iranian Journal of Medical Sciences; 2019;44:1–9. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6330525/
• 2. Marshall CD, Hu MS, Leavitt T, Barnes LA, Lorenz HP, Longaker MT. Cutaneous Scarring: Basic Science, Current Treatments, and Future Directions. Advances in Wound Care. 2018;7:29–45.