Stubborn Scar Tissue Bumps
Sometimes you get a bump on your skin that’s not acne, but looks equally bad. It might be caused by an ingrown hair, or an irritated area of your skin that remains inflamed even after the acne pustule is gone. These spots can be a pain in the neck to get rid off, so what do you do?
First off, don’t pick at your scar tissue! I know everyone had heard the “don’t pick” line a few times too many, but it’s especially important here, sometimes even moreso than with genuine acne spots. Scraping away at a scar tissue bump can have exactly the opposite effect that you want, as the scar tissue will often grow back even bigger, thicker and more noticeable than before. So sit back and let your skin heal.
That said, there are some things you can do to speed the process along. Natural exfoliation is a good thing, and by natural I don’t mean shaving over your bump with a razor blade. Allow yourself a bit of sun, rinse regularly and use a gentle exfoliation scrub when you’re in the shower. Keeping a healthy circulation will also help, so drink plenty of water and take some vitamin C along with B5. A bit of Neosporin can help if your skin if inflamed around the region, but use it sparingly and remember that the best way to prevent inflammation is simply to keep your hands away.
Occasionally, if a bump is caused by an ingrown hair, the hair may need to be removed before the area will heal completely. Do not try to dig it out prematurely. Wait until the spot is no longer swollen and the hair is clearly visible. If you wait a very long time, your body will actually break down the hair, but this can sometimes take months. As long as the hair is clearly visible and near the surface, a sanitized needle can be used to free it, after which it should be removed with a pair of tweezers.
Scare tissue bumps can be a pain, as there’s no simple treatment and the fact is that they take time to heal. Patience is your best weapon. And of course, it’s a good idea to be gentle with your skin so as to prevent these blemishes from occurring in the first place.
