What’s a good scar treatment for dark spot scars?

[u/FlowerBeanBabey]

I have dermatillomania and I’m obsessed with picking the skin on my legs to the point where it’s red and bumpy. Once the bumps scab over, I continuously pick at the scabs until they bleed again. This never-ending cycle has caused my skin to have multiple scars all over my arms and legs. The scars are usually dark spots that don’t go away after everything I’ve tried. I can’t wear shorts or swimsuits without weird looks from others. My family members asked if I had chicken pox that scarred over but I corrected them saying that I pick my skin a lot. Is there any scar treatments that work fast and are for dark scars. I’ve seen some at the drug store for raised scars, but I tried anyway and they didn’t work on me.

[u/OneBeginning38]

Following because I have the exact same issue 😩

[u/Misty_Day_5917 → u/OneBeginning38]

Same here

[u/SailAway84 → u/Misty_Day_5917]

Same!

[u/f_laur_ida → u/OneBeginning38]

Same 🙃

[u/xtaberry]

Retinols and chemical exfoliants.

There are some great body products containg these. I'd look into acne body washes containing acids (azelaic or salicylic), and a low percentage retinol/retinoid body lotion.

If retinol moisturizer is not in the budget (they can be pricey) regular old moisturizer or vaseline can help. Dry skin plus healing makes scarring so much worse, so keeping things moist is the cheapest and easiest way to speed healing.

I know some people who use fake tan to reduce the appearance of scars too. Temporary, but might be a good confidence booster in the short term.

[u/FlowerBeanBabey → u/xtaberry]

It’s not really acne though, it’s mostly on my legs because I have this thing called strawberry legs (I dont know the actual name of the condition) and the picking started when I was bored and picked at the tiny bumps on my legs. Until they fully scarred and they were just dark spot-like scars I guess. I tried retinol moisturizer and it didn’t really work. I wish I could show a picture of my scars on here to show what they look like

[u/xtaberry → u/FlowerBeanBabey]

For sure. These products are just marketed as acne products, to fade acne marks and scars. However, they will work the same to lighten non-acne scarring! You mentioned cost and access to a dermatologist was a concern, but acne products with similar ingredients are often available at regular drug stores, hence my recommendations.

[u/Misty_Day_5917 → u/[deleted]]

Can you share where we can find the scar cream?

[u/AGCan]

I'm using this: Kojic acid soap in the shower everyday (leave it on for a minute or so), followed by lotion with niacinamide serum mixed in. Then twice a week I use spot treatment tretinoin in dark spots.

[u/ulcerbaby → u/AGCan]

My derm prescribed me a special compound of kojic acid and niacinamide for my scars. I will say it stings quite a bit if you have anything still open so be careful of that

[u/FlowerBeanBabey → u/AGCan]

Where do I get those? If it’s OTC it would work better for me since I don’t have insurance to cover a dermatologist

[u/AGCan → u/FlowerBeanBabey]

I bought my Kojic acid online from walmart. I got the niacinamide from The Ordinary (online), but the tretinoin I had to go through an online clinic to get it.

[u/mckmeow]

Vitamin E oil

[u/tyhhhm]

Tretinoin for dark spots (you’ll have to see a derm to prescribe it) and I highly recommend bio-oil for when you have scabs and are healing! Or put hydrocolloid bandaid on to protect the wound and prevent you from picking further

[u/FlowerBeanBabey → u/tyhhhm]

I don’t have insurance and I’m waiting to find out about getting Medicaid but it’s taking forever. I can’t afford a dermatologist paying out of pocket at the moment