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Infliximab infusions per month help tremendously in my stage 3 care. Sites of scarring still affect me. Any recs other than surgery/laser?

A myHSteam Member asked a question 💭
September 28
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A myHSteam Member

Hello Andy,

Old scars:
Aloe vera, vitamin E, acne products for scars, and Bio-oil some people say works (brand name) really any natural soothing oil of your choice rubbed into the scar in the morning after showering or right before bed or both. Let the oil absorb some before putting on clothing or crawling into fresh cotton sheets.

https://www.bio-oil.com/us/en/products/SCON/inf...

https://www.bio-oil.com

Ask a doctor.
Some of the OTC acne products are rather strong and cannot be used with other strong medicines.

There are also some OTC scar sheets, from several brands, including generic store brands from Walgreens, CVS, Walmart with the same ingredients as the brand names. Curad is one of the brand name scar sheets. You apply the film to your skin. It looks somewhat like a sheet of waxed paper.

Sun sensitivity is also a factor with a lot of the acne products.

Take Care
NP

Bio-Oil
Bio-Oil
https://www.bio-oil.com
Bio-Oil
Bio-Oil
https://www.bio-oil.com/us/en/products/SCON/information
September 28 (edited)
myHSteam

It's great that infliximab is making such a difference for you! Managing scarring alongside stage 3 HS is a real challenge, but there are several non-surgical, non-laser options worth exploring with your dermatologist.

Here are some approaches that may help:

- Corticosteroid injections — Injected directly into the scar, these Show Full Answer

It's great that infliximab is making such a difference for you! Managing scarring alongside stage 3 HS is a real challenge, but there are several non-surgical, non-laser options worth exploring with your dermatologist.

Here are some approaches that may help:

- Corticosteroid injections — Injected directly into the scar, these can reduce scar size by 50% or more and help ease itching or pain
- Topical silicone — Available as ointments, gel sheets, bandages, or sprays; silicone sheets should be worn at least 12 hours a day for weeks or months
- Pressure dressings — Tight-fitting bandages or sleeves worn over wounds can prevent scar tissue from forming or spreading
- Dermabrasion — A skin-scraping technique for scars that don't deeply penetrate; worth discussing with your doctor, especially regarding your skin tone
- Chemical peels — Medium to deep peels can target scarred skin layers, though side effects like discoloration are possible
- Cryotherapy — Freezing the scar area to reduce size, itching, pain, and discoloration For at-home care, keeping skin clean, moisturizing regularly (aloe vera or petroleum jelly work well), and applying SPF 50+ sunscreen daily can help reduce discoloration over time.

Avoiding skincare products with dyes, fragrances, exfoliating acids, or parabens is also important, as these can irritate skin and potentially trigger flares.

September 28

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