Advice on dealing with potential scar from scratched pimple? (Photos)

Hello! My name is Jessica, I am a physician assistant, and one of the providers at Aesthetic Skin in Winnetka and Chicago. This is a great question. It’s common for a scratched pimple to leave behind discoloration and a slight mark, and thankfully these are usually very treatable. Pico laser is one of the most effective options for this type of post-inflammatory pigmentation because it targets excess pigment with extremely short pulses that break it up while minimizing heat and downtime. It can also help improve early textural changes if there’s a mild scar forming. Most people need a series of sessions spaced a few weeks apart, and results typically appear gradually as the discoloration fades and the skin evens out. Combining pico treatments with gentle skincare—like sunscreen, a soothing moisturizer, and possibly a topical brightener—can optimize the outcome.

Our treatments use combination therapy to improve the epidermis and dermis for most deep scars. The options available for acne scars depend on the character of your scars, in terms of topography and contour. We see atrophic and hypertrophic acne scars, as well as scars that have hypo and hyperpigmentation. We begin each scar evaluation with an assessment of scar quality and subtype. Our main concern is rebuilding collagen and that is why we use a HIDEF protocol that includes combination therapy. Morpheus 8, scar subcision, fibrous release, fractional laser, CO2 laser, Thulium laser, PDL Vbeam laser, and fractional resurfacing can be used in addition to TCA Cross and chemical peels to further improve skin. Patients should start Melarase AM and Melarase PM for active hyperpigmentation. Always begin with a consultation to decide whether early subcision should be started.

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Hi, thank you for sharing your photos and explaining what happened. It’s very common for a pimple that was scratched or picked at to leave behind some discoloration or a minor scar, especially if the skin was broken.

Here’s what to know:

Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (discoloration):

If the mark is brown, red, or purple, it may improve gradually on its own over several weeks to months.

Topical brightening agents (like vitamin C, niacinamide, or mild chemical exfoliants) can help fade the pigmentation more quickly.

Textural changes or true scarring:

If there is a small indentation or raised area, treatments like microneedling, gentle laser resurfacing, or chemical peels can improve the texture over time.

Minor scars from a single pimple are often subtle and respond well to these conservative treatments.

Prevention and care:

Protecting the area from the sun is important, as UV exposure can worsen discoloration.

Avoid picking or scratching any healing skin, as this can worsen scarring.

In summary, many post-pimple marks improve naturally, but targeted topical care or professional treatments can accelerate healing and reduce discoloration or texture changes.