How To Cover Up Bug Bite Scars

Summertime means BBQs, beach bonfires, camping trips, and tons of bug bites. If you've already been eaten alive, you're probably worrying about how to cover up bug bite scars. You know the ones we are talking about. The raised white bumps. The dark discolored spots. The starry constellation of scars on your calf where a greedy mosquito went insane. Your battle scars don't have to be the bane of your existence. You can even flaunt them if you're proud of your survivorship. But if they make you crazy every time you glance down, you don't have to suffer any more.

If mosquitoes just can't get enough of you, there's not much you can do about it. Basically, your bug appeal comes down to genetic makeup, as reported by NPR. Instead of suffering, try these awesome DIY mosquito bite prevention methods for maximum happiness, and certainly use a drugstore repellant or homemade bug spray using natural ingredients if chemicals freak you out. Prevention is the best case scenario when it comes to scarring.

Once you get bit, resist the urge to scratch. We know you want to. But seriously, don't. ScarsandSpots.com explains that when a mosquito bites, your skin releases histamine and an inflammatory reaction—aka red bump—appears. When you succumb to the red bump's itch, you create skin trauma and hyperpigmentation—the lasting discoloration that's bugging you now.

But that's all talking about today. And the problem at hand (or on leg) is the scars of yesterday. Read on for tips on covering up bug bite scars so you can go about your sweet, summer life fancy free.

Wear sunscreen on your spots

Sunscreen on the legs is not just for babies. Even if you're trying to get tan you should always sport sunscreen. But safety aside, this tip is all about the aesthetics. Failing to spot check your bug bites for sunscreen means the hyperpigmented scars get more sun and more color, thereby making your bug bites more noticeable. An overall glow will even out your tone, but keep the scars in check with vigilant SPF application.

Exfoliate

Dermadoctor KP Duty, $51, Amazon

Not only is exfoliation good for your overall skin tone, it smoothes down irregularities on the surface of the skin. Gently sloughing off skin is a solid maintenance component when regulating bug bite scars but should not be considered an overnight fix. Look for options that include microdermabrasion or chemical peel-like qualities. And more is not better. A nightly exfoliation will only lead to irritated skin. Be gentle with your gams.

Use nature's bounty

Long before women worked in scientific laboratories—creating skincare products for the world—we relied on nature's bag of tricks to restore our bodies to health. Bustle's own Kristin Collins Jackson created a simple scar treatment using rose hip seed oil, vitamin E, lemon, and tea tree oil that has brightened, corrected, and healed her dark scars. Try her easy scar treatment recipe or create your own.

Zap spots with lightening cream

Eventrue Tone Correct Fade Cream, $15, Amazon

If your bug scars make you sad, try a topical bleaching application to brighten the area. Products containing hydroquinone are effective in reducing dark spots, but have been under research by the FDA as to safety, so do your homework first to decide if they are right for you. Women with dark skin should also proceed with caution using hydroquinone products, as it can lead to discoloration.

Apply OTC scar treatment

Mederma Scar Cream , $16, Target

Topical applications that claim to soften existing scars and help restore skin to its former glory are also an option in the bug bite battle. You can go ahead and double down and use one that also has an SPF of 30 or higher to kill two bugs with one stone.

For instant results, cover them up

Leg makeup is not just for celebrities and the beauty obsessed. Sometimes a girl wants to go mini-skirt without having bug bites on display. Try these scar concealing tricks that also work to hide your tattoos.

Have fun, stay bite free, and don't forget your tricks for how to cover up bug bite scars.

Images: Tamara Alvarez/Flickr; Getty Images (1), Creative Commons (2), Product pages (3)