How can I get rid of bug bite scars?

when i was a child i was biten by mosquitos or ants and the bites became sores i had very sensitive skin and these bites became scars. it has been my most biggest problem, starting with my low self esteem. since i have knowledge of some thing called shame i have never worn a knee length skirt because of these scars

2 answers to “How can I get rid of bug bite scars?”

A: Scars caused by bug bites

Bruce Katz, MD

It’s difficult to give you specific instructions without seeing the scars. If they are red, you could use a pulsed dye laser. If they have a brownish color, they can be treated with an Alexandrite laser or you could always resort to a hydroquinone cream (lightning cream).

A: Hyperpigmented Scars on the Legs from Bug Bites

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD

Bug bites on the legs can be treated with topical creams, chemical peels, and laser. I routinely see these patients who have immigrated to the United States from other countries or have lived in the South for some time in their lives. Bug bites can lead to discoloration and I treat these in my office with... more

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Comments

lhaney
156 posts
4 Jul 2008

You may be suprised to know that this is not an uncommon condition that we treat. In fact, we have a handful of patients that routinely travel outside of the country where mosquito and other insect bites leave brown (hyperpigmented) scarring mostly to the lower legs, ankles, and feet. Typically, the medium to darker skin types are more prone to this reaction. We currently use the Q-Switched lasers (QYAG V and Medlite C6) to treat these lesions. These lasers work by breaking up the darker pigment while at the same time encouraging the body to do the same as well. Treatments are painless and usually less than 20 minutes. We space treatments 4 weeks apart to allow for more fading in between appointments. However, it is safe to do these treatments every 2 weeks if a patient prefers. Whether or not you choose to treat these pigmented lesions (brown scars) with laser technology, be certain to wear sunscreen on these areas. I would suggest you look into a consultation for laser treatments since this skin condition has made such an impact on you for this long. You may be surprised at how easily this may be addressed.

Dr. Kenneth Han
27 posts
28 Jul 2008

One laser or particular procedure may not be the answer to your concerns. Have them evaluated and diagnosed appropriately prior to any procedure or recommendation. Your skin type, ethnic background and how your particular skin heals may affect the type of treatment recommended for you.

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