Removing Chicken Pox Scars: Gateway To Beautiful Skin

It is widely known that chickenpox is such a common disease that everyone experiences it at least once in their lifetime – So if you’re someone who has already dealt with chickenpox in their childhood, or even in their adulthood; there are high chances that you have certain scars left on your body from chickenpox as a constant reminder.

These scars that are left behind by chickenpox are usually seen to be faded over a period of time – However, at times for some people professional aesthetic treatments are required to remove them completely.

This blog will give you all the information you need regarding this type of scaring, along with a detailed insight on removing chickenpox scars.

Types of Chickenpox Scars

There are two main types of chickenpox scars, as mentioned below:

• Atrophic Scars
  
  This type of scar are formed due to the damaged skin as well as the tissue, that is bound down or thinned out. Atrophic scars are known to permanently damage the skin once the wound is healed since the scar tissue structurally alters the standard skin.
• Discoloration
  
  Chickenpox scars can cause discolored indentations, often pink at an early stage or even whitish at a much later stage. These types of scars are visually similar to the scars from old acne.

What Causes Chickenpox Scars?

Chickenpox is a very discomfort-inducing disease that tends to cause blisters all over the entire body, along with an excruciating urge to itch. While it is strictly prohibited to scratch these blisters as they lead to scaring, it is almost impossible to not do that considering that it gets too severe.

The two major causes of chickenpox scars are:

• Damaged skin with deep wounds that is caused by excessively scratching the blisters
• Skin inflammation is another cause as it results in indented scars

Chickenpox Scar Removal Treatments

Let’s have a quick look at some of the popular options for removing old chickenpox scars

Laser Resurfacing: Laser treatment for chickenpox scars is the most trusted method available in reputed skin clinics. In this procedure, the scar tissue is exposed to a medium or high-intensity energy beam. The dermatologists ensure that the intensity of the laser device is carefully controlled to avoid damaging the surrounding healthy skin tissue. The laser resurfacing treatment helps in lightening the old scar’s color, improving its sunken appearance, and making it less visible. The upper layer of the skin is also removed by the laser, which further stimulates the growth of healthy skin.

Microneedling Radiofrequency: Microneedling is one of the safest treatments available for chickenpox scars. In this procedure, radiofrequency energy is deposited in the deeper layers of the skin through tiny needles which trigger the production of collagen. The scar begins to elevate with the induction of new collagen beneath the skin. This method is combined with other techniques like laser resurfacing for longer-lasting results.

Chemical Peeling Treatment: Chemical peels work by removing the surface layer of the skin, which may help to fade the colour and depth of the scars.  Some of the common agents used are alpha hydroxy acids, beta hydroxy acids, and a combination of both (e.g., TCA Cross peel). The benefits of chemical peels are:

• Chemical peeling is affordable
• It’s a safe, effective and painless procedure

Surgical Procedures: Surgical procedures are ideal if you want a more aggressive approach and a quicker solution. In the punch excision method, scar tissue is removed surgically. It is then stitched with fine sutures to ensure that it is not visible which may leave behind a fine scar which is more aesthetic. Surgical correction is another approach wherein skin grafting is performed by using healthy tissue from other body areas to fill deeper scars.

Other Treatments For Chickenpox Marks

Topical Creams: Scars removal creams and ointments, can be used to improve the colour, texture, and overall appearance of the scar. These ointments can help make the scars less noticeable. However, the creams are ineffective on deep pitted chickenpox scars.

Silicone Sheets: Silicone sheets specifically designed for raised chickenpox scars can be used to flatten, shrink, and fade both new and old scars. The silicone sheets hydrate the scar tissue and over time the scars fade and soften. To see positive results, you will have to use the silicone sheets daily for six months.

Exfoliation: Exfoliating the skin with chemical peels or microdermabrasion helps to get rid of the skin’s upper layers, which makes the chickenpox scars less visible.

Sunscreen: Applying a dermatologist-recommended sunscreen with SPF 30 daily will help in faster fading of the scar by preventing pigmentation due to sun exposure, making it less visible over time.

How To Prevent Chickenpox Scars?

For anyone who is dealing with chickenpox as we speak, or you have someone in the family who is experiencing this painful disease; there are a couple of things that can be done to prevent chickenpox scarring.

Here’s what you can do:

• You should refrain from scratching as much as possible
• In order to avoid unintentional sudden scratch, try wearing oven mitts or mittens
• Dab or pat a soothing lotion onto the blisters. A lotion with cocoa butter and aloe vera is ideal.
• Dab or pat an anti-itch cream, like calamine lotion, directly onto the blisters.
• Take a cool oatmeal bath.
• Try an antihistamine like Benadryl.

Of course, the best way to prevent chickenpox scars is to avoid chickenpox infection. Vaccinate children from chickenpox and older adults from shingles, which is caused by the same virus.

Conclusion

You may find yourself wanting to eliminate the appearance of chickenpox scars, especially when they’re located on your face. Fortunately, there are many treatment options available. You can begin with OTC treatments, or go directly to a dermatologist. Dermatologists are very experienced with scars and can advise you on the best option for your situation.

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– Disclaimer –

This blog is for informational & educational purposes only, and does not intend to substitute any professional medical advice or consultation.
For any symptoms or medical advice, please consult with your physician,

Or Book an appointment with our board-certified aestheticians at Syra Aesthetics.