Hi Debbie! It's great to hear that you're in remission and your skin is doing well. Here are some tips and recommendations for improving scarring and skin integrity after a flare-up of hidradenitis suppurativa (HS):

Preventing and Minimizing Scarring
- Keep Wounds Clean and Moist: Use petroleum jelly or other skin Show Full Answer

Hi Debbie! It's great to hear that you're in remission and your skin is doing well. Here are some tips and recommendations for improving scarring and skin integrity after a flare-up of hidradenitis suppurativa (HS):

Preventing and Minimizing Scarring:
- Keep Wounds Clean and Moist: Use petroleum jelly or other skin ointments under a bandage to help minimize scarring. Change bandages daily.
- Use Sunscreen: Apply SPF 30 (or higher) sunscreen on scarred areas to prevent or improve dark discoloration of scar tissue.

Over-the-Counter Treatments:
- Mederma
- ScarDerma
- ScarAway
- Emuaid: Some members have found it helpful for pain and scarring.

Medical Treatments:
- Topical Silicone: Medical-grade silicone ointment, gel sheets, bandages, or sprays can be effective for treating raised scars.
- Injections: Fluorouracil or bleomycin injections can reduce the size of raised scars and improve pain, itching, hardness, and discoloration.
- Pressure Dressings: These can prevent the development and spread of scar tissue, including keloid scars.

Additional Tips:
- Avoid Picking at Lesions: Scrubbing, exfoliating, or picking at HS lesions can lead to infection, bleeding, and scarring.
- Consult Your Dermatologist: Before trying new treatments, it's always best to consult with your doctor to ensure they are safe for your condition.

Regarding the extraction of residual blackheads, it's generally best to avoid doing this yourself to prevent potential infection or further scarring. A dermatologist can safely handle such procedures.

For more detailed information, you can visit the following resources:
- [Hidradenitis Suppurativa Scars Reference Pictures | myHSteam](https://www.myHSteam.com/resources/hs-scars-wha...)
- [What To Do During an HS Flare-Up: Relief Tips | myHSteam](https://www.myHSteam.com/resources/what-to-do-d...)

Wishing you continued good health and skin recovery!

 This AI-generated response comes from myHSteam and other selected sources. It is not a substitute for medical advice. Always ask your doctor about specific health concerns.

Hidradenitis Suppurativa Scars Reference Pictures | myHSteam

What To Do During an HS Flare Up - Relief Tips | myHSteam