Has chickenpox left stubborn scars behind on your body? Caused by a highly contagious virus, the infection affects almost everyone, at least once in their lifetime.
While the infection stays only for a limited period, the scars can be long-lasting. To get rid of these, it’s important to understand the root of the problem, and know what treatments can help.
If your chickenpox scars are not going away despite your best efforts, then this article is just for you.
Highlights:
Types of Chickenpox Scars
Even a single occurrence of chickenpox can leave long-lasting scars on almost every part of your body. While starting out as small insect bites and pimples, these turn into fluid-filled blisters. Over time these blisters break and leave an open wound that eventually dries out.
During this time, you may feel an itching sensation. Scratching these blisters, often leads to severe scars on your skin. A few types of chickenpox scars that are commonly seen include:
1.Atrophic Scars:
Atrophic scars are pitted and sunken. It happens when the collagen of your skin is destroyed which does not let the scar heal properly.
2. Raised scar:
Few reports suggest that chickenpox can trigger keloids[1]. These are raised scars, which grow where your skin is injured. Sometimes keloids scars outgrow the actual injury and form a larger scar.
3. Round Marks:
Round marks are mostly minor scars which can be resolved easily. These have a red or brown texture.
Do Chicken Pox Scars Go Away?
Usually, chickenpox does not leave any permanent scar. After the infection, it takes 6 to 12 months for the scars to fade away completely. However, if your chickenpox gets worse and badly infected, it may last longer than the usual time.
How To Remove Chickenpox Scars?
There are a few over the counter treatments available to remove chickenpox scars. You can opt for natural remedies as well.
Over The Counter Treatment
1. Retinol creams
are often used as scar removers as they are enriched with vitamin A, which boosts the skin’s collagen production. Studies[2] suggest that retinol and glycolic acid are great for removing acne scars. Use a retinol cream on your scars every day before going to bed. In case your skin feels irritated, try applying it on every alternative day.
2. Scar removal creams
are made with different ingredients that reduce the pigmentation of your scar. There are various brands of scar removal creams available.
3. Exfoliants
can also help remove chickenpox scars. It will remove the damaged skin cells and allow regeneration of fresh skin. Your pigmented scar skin can be exfoliated either through mechanical or chemical exfoliants. Mechanical exfoliants include scrubs and skin-brushes. These should be used directly on your scars every day. Some over-the-counter lotions are available for chemical exfoliation. These create a minor chemical reaction with the scar.
Professional Treatments
1. Scar excision:
This involves surgically removing the scar. If nothing else works for your scars, this may be a suited option. Your doctor would put you under anaesthesia and use a scalpel to remove the scar tissue. However, this is only for severe scars which are deep and pitted.
2. Microdermabrasion:
This is an effective treatment too. Here, a rotating brush is used to exfoliate the damaged skin and remove it. Dermabrasion is another similar option, which goes deep into your scar tissue.
3. Tissue fillers:
These can be opted, if you have sunken scars. This will help you get back the shape of your skin. Fillers like hyaluronic acid and fats are injected into your scar, fading out its appearance. However this is a temporary solution that lasts only for six months.
4. Micro-needling [3]:
This involves using a rolling-pin like tool with several small needles. After putting you on anaesthesia, the tool would be rolled on your scar with measured pressure. It stimulates your collagen production and generates smooth skin. You may notice a little bit of bleeding.
5. Skin grafting:
This is suggested for major scar issues and not for mild ones. It involves taking skin from another part of your body and transplanting it on the scar area.
6. Chemical peels:
These help regenerate new skin by causing a chemical reaction to your scar. This removes the upper layer of the skin allowing the regeneration of a fresh and new outer layer. It needs to be done by doctors as it may need anaesthesia.
7. Laser therapy:
This is a common treatment for chickenpox scars. It can improve your sunken, deep and old scars. The treatments may take 15 minutes to 2 hours.
Natural Treatments
1. Aloe vera:
The soothing effect of aloe vera and the antioxidants present in it can help. It works great on scars and fades out their appearance over time.
2. Vitamin E:
This remedy is preferred by many for treating scars caused by chickenpox. However, this may not have the desired effects for all. Studies[4] indicate that vitamin E is not as effective as it is said to be.
3. Cocoa butter:
This naturally derived fat is antioxidant-rich and provides you with ultimate moisturizing. Even though popular belief suggests that cocoa butter works on scars, there have been studies[5] that conclude otherwise.
4. Rosehip oil:
According to research, these oils are recommended for scars due to their therapeutic value. The antioxidant effects and phytochemical composition of rosehip oil is beneficial and removes scars effectively.
How To Prevent Chickenpox Scars?
A few preventive measures can go a long way in protecting you from the ugly scars. These are:
- Do not scratch your skin with nails.
- Use neem leaves around your blisters to get rid of the itchy feeling.
- Apply soothing lotions or cream on the blisters to make them less uncomfortable. You can also use aloe vera.
- Try using an anti-itching cream on the blisters.
- An oatmeal bath can give you a soothing relief.
- Try consuming neem or bathing in neem soak water.
- Use antihistamine medication.
Wrapping Up
We understand that scars are sometimes troubling, but it does not make you less beautiful. Also, eliminating these scars from your body may sound difficult, but it is not. It will take time, but eventually, all the effort you are putting for your precious skin will pay off. Try out over the counter options and natural remedies for minor scar issues. In the case of major scars, you can talk to a dermatologist for professional treatment.
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