How to Lighten Scars From Bug Bites

Most people have been bitten by an insect at some point. This occurs most often in the summer when people wear shorts or sleeveless tops. Insect bites are annoying, but in most cases there is only itching or mild swelling. A small scar may be left behind after the bite heals. The body forms scar tissue as a way to protect the injured skin area. Over time the scar usually fades, but for faster results there are methods to lighten the scars. Try one method at a time for several weeks. Try another method if there is no improvement.

Things You'll Need

• Lemon juice
• Cotton ball
• Vitamin E oil
• Silicone gel
• OTC bleaching creme or lotion

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Instructions

• 1

  Pour lemon juice onto a cotton ball. Apply the juice to the insect bite scar. Reapply lemon juice a few times a day for best results. Lemons are a natural bleaching agent; they have citric acid that gently exfoliates the top skin layer.

• 2

  Apply vitamin E oil to the insect scars. Pour a dime size of vitamin e oil onto a finger and massage it into the scar twice a day. Vitamin E is a natural and inexpensive treatment for all kinds of scars.

• 3

  Apply silicone gel to the scars. Squeeze a small amount onto a fingertip and massage the gel into the scar. Read the directions on the label, but for many silicone gel products you apply the gel every 12 hours.

• 4

  Apply over-the-counter bleaching or lightening creams or lotions. Look for products with two to four percent hydroquinone. Apply the cream or lotion once or twice a day as directed on the label. The chemical lightens scars by reducing the production of melanin pigment in the skin as the silicone increases the breakdown of melanin.