If you have hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), you know how painful the bumps and lumps can be. But even after your abscesses heal, scars often remain. More than 3,000 myHSteam members report scarring as a top HS symptom. Many wonder whether over-the-counter (OTC) creams can make these scars less noticeable.

In this article, we’ll explore OTC options available for people with HS.

What Are HS Scars?

HS is a long-term skin condition that causes painful lesions. These lesions often develop in areas like the groin and armpits, where skin rubs together. HS lesions, or cysts, can form deep tunnels between one another under the skin. These tunnels can lead to deep, thick scars on the surface. These scars may drain pus or blood. They may also cause swelling and make it hard to move, depending on their location. Some scars are permanent, but treatment may help reduce their size and make them less noticeable.

Treating HS flare-ups early on is the best way to prevent severe scarring. Try not to touch or pick at HS lesions during a flare. Your healthcare provider may also recommend some treatment options to help prevent scarring.

Which Over-the-Counter Creams Might Help?

OTC creams are easy to find and don’t require a prescription. There are several OTC options for treating scars.

Always talk to your doctor or dermatologist before making changes to your HS treatment plan or trying new creams.

1. Silicone Products

Silicone is one of the most studied ingredients for OTC scar treatment. Silicone can help keep the skin hydrated and protected. Over time, it may reduce the size and stiffness of scars and make them less noticeable.

Silicone is available as sheets or gels. Silicone sheets are placed over the scar to seal and protect the area. Silicone gels dry into a thin, flexible layer a few minutes after you apply them. For best results, silicone sheets are usually worn for at least 12 hours a day for several weeks or months.

“I use the ScarAway silicone bandages,” one myHSteam member shared. “If you catch them early, the scars lighten faster.”

2. Creams With Onion Extract

Some scar creams contain onion extract, also called cepalin, which has anti-inflammatory and regenerative properties. Topical treatments containing onion extract have been used for many years to help prevent and reduce scars. OTC brands such as Mederma contain onion extract.

Research on onion extract is mixed. Some studies suggest it may help improve the look of existing scars and also prevent new scarring, especially if used on fresh scars. However, other studies have found little to no difference in the appearance of scars with onion extract products.

3. Vitamin E

Vitamin E is another ingredient sometimes found in scar creams. Vitamin E can help nourish the skin and repair damage, which may help in reducing scars. However, there is limited scientific evidence that vitamin E improves scars.

“If I have a flare, I use manuka honey, Derma E tea tree cream, and vitamin E relief cream,” said a myHSteam member. “So far, that’s all I’ve needed. Fingers crossed.”

Tips for Using Scar Creams

If you want to try OTC scar treatments, here are a few helpful tips:

• Keep your skin clean — Gently wash the area to support better healing and lower the risk of infection.
• Moisturize your skin — Use moisturizing creams to keep your skin hydrated. Moisturizers with aloe vera may offer additional healing and anti-inflammatory benefits — Petroleum jelly is also a good option.
• Use sunscreen daily — Sunscreen helps protect the skin. Sunscreen might help scars fade over time and reduce any discoloration.
• Avoid creams with irritants — Steer clear of creams with dyes, added fragrances, exfoliating acids, and parabens, which can irritate the skin and trigger HS flares.

If OTC creams do not improve the appearance of HS scars, your doctor may recommend other treatment options. These can include steroid or biological injections, laser surgery, dermabrasion, microneedling, or scar tissue massaging. Some lifestyle changes may also help reduce the formation of scars. These include quitting smoking, managing stress levels, and eating anti-inflammatory foods.

HS scars can be permanent. But early treatment, good at-home wound care, and the right scar products can make a real difference in how your scars look and feel over time.

Remember that everyone’s body is different. A product that works well for someone else may not be the best choice for you. Talk with your doctor about which creams may work well for your skin. As one member wrote, “OTC creams can help, but I strongly suggest consulting a dermatologist about what can help reduce the appearance of dark spots and scarring.”

Join the Conversation

On myHSteam, people share their experiences with hidradenitis suppurativa, get advice, and find support from others who understand.

Have any over-the-counter creams helped you with scarring? Let others know in the comments below.