A number of treatments are available if you have a scar that’s painful, itchy or unsightly, or if it restricts your movement.
Scars cannot be removed completely, but they can often be made less visible.
A GP may refer you to a dermatologist (skin specialist) or a plastic surgeon for treatment. Some treatments, such as laser therapy and steroid injections, are not widely available on the NHS, so you’ll need to pay for them privately.
Skin camouflage (make-up)
Pharmacies sell make-up that’s specially designed for covering scars. It can be particularly useful for facial scars.
If you have a large area of skin to cover and you live in England or Scotland, the Skin Camouflage Service run by the charity Changing Faces may be able to help. A GP can refer you to the service or, in some areas, you can refer yourself.
Fully trained skin camouflage practitioners will be able to find a good colour match for your skin tone and teach you how to apply the make-up. It’s waterproof and can stay in place for 2 or 3 days.
Sometimes – for example, if you have a scar after having an operation or you have a disfiguring skin condition – you may be able to get camouflage make-up on the NHS. You should discuss this with a GP.
