How can I treat this scar on my inner thigh from surgically removing a boil? (Photos)

Question

What can I do to fix the scar on my inner thigh ? I had a boil there and got it surgically removed but the stitches separated and now I have an even bigger scar that is raised and discolored.

Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD · Answer

I'm sorry you’ve had to deal with this, especially after the original procedure was meant to resolve the boil. When stitches separate during healing, the wound may take longer to close and can leave a wider, more noticeable scar. The good news is that there are several ways to improve the appearance of a raised, discolored scar, depending on its characteristics.

First, it is important to determine whether the scar is hypertrophic, meaning it is raised but stays within the original wound boundaries, or a keloid, which grows beyond the original wound. The inner thigh is also an area prone to friction and moisture, which can contribute to irritation and affect healing.

Treatment options may include:

Silicone scar gel or sheets: If the wound is completely healed, silicone can help soften and flatten some raised scars over time. Consistent use for several months is often needed.

Steroid injections: If the scar is thick or firm, a dermatologist may recommend intralesional corticosteroid injections to reduce its height and firmness. These require careful dosing because they can sometimes cause skin thinning or changes in pigmentation.

Laser treatments: Certain lasers may help reduce redness or discoloration and improve scar texture, depending on the type of scar and your skin tone.

Scar revision surgery: If the scar is particularly wide or poorly shaped, surgical revision may be considered. However, surgery creates another wound and can result in another widened or raised scar, especially in an area exposed to friction and tension.

If the main concern is dark discoloration, treatment may also involve addressing post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation once the scar has been assessed. I would avoid strong bleaching products or aggressive exfoliation on this sensitive area without professional guidance.

My recommendation is to have the scar evaluated by a dermatologist before choosing a treatment. If it is still painful, warm, draining, increasingly swollen, or reopening, it should be examined promptly to rule out infection or another healing problem before scar treatment begins.

A scar does not necessarily have to be removed completely to look better. With the right approach, its thickness, color, and overall appearance may improve, although complete elimination is rarely possible. The goal is to make it flatter, softer, and less noticeable while minimizing the risk of creating additional scarring.

How can I treat this scar on my inner thigh from surgically removing a boil? (Photos)

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