How To Get Rid Of Chicken Pox Scars

Last modified on June 2021
With inputs from Dr.Jisha B, General Physician

Chicken pox is a mild but highly contagious infection that spreads through the varicella-zoster virus. This disease affects about 1.5 percent of the Indian population every year. Indian Children between the ages of 1 and 14 are usually most susceptible to the condition. It is believed that the effects of chicken pox are normally diminished in children as compared to adults. Interestingly, chicken pox, once experienced, offers lifelong immunity to the individual.
Chicken pox usually vanishes without leaving a trace. But in most cases, it may take a while for the initial scarring to heal completely. In some instances, chicken pox scars may persist, requiring special attention and care. In this article, we will talk about causes of persistent chicken pox scars and treatment options.

Key Takeaways on Chicken Pox Scars in Indians:
– Chicken pox is a common contagious disease that is experienced by almost every Indian at least once during his/her lifetime. Often, the condition can leave behind chicken pox scars that can range from minor discolouration to deep holes.
– Chicken pox marks are usually the result of abrasion or scratching of scabs when they are still fresh. There are several ways to prevent the formation of scars, such as using suitable lotions, wearing gloves, and protecting against the sun.
– If you do have residual scarring from chicken pox, a suitable chicken pox scars removal cream or other forms of medical intervention can help smoothen the skin effectively. Natural remedies, such as a diet rich in B12 can be used to help reduce chicken pox scars from the body. Coconut oil is among the oldest known natural cures, while aloe vera and vitamin E oil are also popular options.
– Ideally, consult a dermatologist to help you understand the nature of your scarring, and find the best solution for removal of marks caused by chicken pox.

Last modified on June 2021
With inputs from Dr.Jisha B, General Physician

Chapter 1: What are chicken pox scars?

Chicken pox appears in the form of blisters on the skin. These blisters form on all parts of the body. Scratching these blisters (due to itching) excessively can damage the skin. When your skin is damaged, it produces a thicker tissue (scar tissue) to repair it. This scar tissue, which we commonly observe as chicken pox marks, look sunken and discoloured. Consult a dermatologist to effectively relieve the body of marks formed by chicken pox.

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Chapter 2: What causes persistent chicken pox scars in Indians?

Blisters formed during chicken pox could take up to 2 weeks to form scabs, which then fall off and disappear. There may be some superficial scarring that fades away between 6 and 12 months of experiencing the disease. However, chicken pox scars are known to persist permanently, especially when the blisters are tampered with when they are raw or have not healed fully. Some reasons why chicken pox marks are permanently visible include:

Exposure to the sun, which could cause irritation, thus leading to scratching of the skin
Picking or scratching of the blisters formed
Dirty, infected skin that feels itchy and prompts you to rub or scratch it
Excessive dryness which stretches the skin and makes it feel itchy

Constant itching of the skin when infected with chicken pox, tends to leave marks on the skin that need a lot of care and maintenance to eliminate. These scars can be reduced by following a well charted diet.

Schedule an appointment with our medical experts on MFine for tips on getting rid of chicken pox scars.

Chapter 3: What are chicken pox scar treatment options in India?

Chicken pox scar removal is actively sought after by adults and is especially common in cases where the person has chicken pox scars on the face. Several medical and natural treatment options are prescribed for chicken pox scar reduction. Some of the most popular methods of scar reduction include:

Non-invasive methods

Chemical peels: Such peels contain acids such as salicylic acid, glycolic acid and alpha hydroxy acids. A combination of these acids in the chemical peels help burn the dead skin cells that are present on the top layer of the skin. The chemical peels also assist the growth of new skin cells. While using such peels, one must remember to put on sunscreen while heading out as the peels remove the top layers of the skin.
Microdermabrasion: This method aids in revitalizing and regenerating damaged skin cells. Microdermabrasion works well for superficial scars such as the chicken pox scars. The surface layer of the skin is removed and the skin is evened out.
Photo-facial treatments: This method is used for more severe and deeper chicken pox scars. The photo-facial technique breaks apart the pigment that gives the scar its color. The breakdown takes place using a laser. The process also evens out the outer layers of the skin by aiding collagen growth.

Invasive methods

Excision: The excision method is used for deep pitted chicken pox scars. While this minor surgical process will leave you with a scar, it will be smaller in size than the scar you are trying to remove.
Punch graft: This surgical process tends to avoid even the slightest scarring possible. The process is carried out using a punch biopsy tool.
Laser resurfacing: As the name suggests, the technique uses light beams of high energy to get rid of the affected area. A surgeon may use different lasers as per the chicken pox scar.
Cryosurgery

Medication
The use of prescription medication and chicken pox marks removal cream is another highly effective method to soften marks after chicken pox. Through the stimulation of collagen production, a chicken pox cream and topical applications form a long-term treatment plan in aiding chicken pox scar removal. However, do remember to only use medications as prescribed by a dermatologist.

Natural remedies
Some of the most proven natural treatment options include coconut oil, aloe vera gel application, and vitamin E oil for natural deep scar removal. These home remedies are inexpensive and do not cause any discomfort or side effects. It is an ideal option for people seeking alternative treatment options, or with highly sensitive skin. Since the body needs to rid itself of oxidants for a faster healing process, following a detox diet may prove beneficial.

Unable to reduce marks on your skin due to chicken pox? Book an appointment with our medical experts on MFine for the best practices.

Chapter 4: How to prevent chicken pox scars?

While medicine and science have developed several chicken pox scars treatment options,there are things you can do to prevent the scars from appearing. Chicken pox scars in adults and children can be deep and difficult to treat completely, and preventing scars is always easier than removing marks. Here are some dermatologist-approved tips to prevent marks after chicken pox:

A suitable lotion, when applied on the skin, can help soothe the affected area and prevent itching. It can also help dry the blisters quickly, preventing the need for a chicken pox marks removal cream altogether.
A simple way to beat the itch is to wear gloves. Gloves work in many ways. They prevent you from touching the blisters and causing them to spread all over the body. This can save you a great deal of pain and discomfort.
When the blisters begin to heal, always protect yourself with sunscreen. This can protect against burning and itching.
Sores can also form in the mouth and prove rather painful. Gargle with salt water and have bland, semi-soft food to help soothe the sores and prevent them from burning.

To read more about common Indian diseases and conditions, and tips on how to tackle them, head to our dedicated section on MFine

Chapter 5: Consulting a doctor for chicken pox scars in India

When scar removal home remedies or creams do not work, it is best that you visit a good dermatologist to help address the marks on your skin. A host of highly effective treatment options are easily available, making it possible to address even the most severe chicken pox holes and blemishes effectively. Your practitioner will be able to advise you on the best course of treatment to help keep your skin smooth, healthy, and blemish-free.

In some cases, your doctor may also recommend performing a full body health check to understand the state of your health. You can also avail a condition-based health package, depending on factors such as, diet, lifestyle, age, and gender. Sometimes a diet rich in Vitamin B12 may aid in quicker recovery.

Unable to reduce marks on your skin due to chicken pox? Book an appointment with our medical experts on MFine for the best practices.

Chapter 6: Frequently Asked Questions on Chicken Pox Scars

1. Does chicken pox always leave scars?
No. It is possible that you have chicken pox and do not experience any scarring after the disease has run its course. It is estimated that about 20 percent of Indian children have scars following a chicken pox infection.

2· Can chicken pox scars be prevented?
It is ideal for preventing chicken pox scars from forming. This can be achieved by keeping the skin moist, avoiding infections, and preventing excessive sun exposure, it is possible to prevent scarring after chicken pox.

3· Are chicken pox scars permanent?
Chicken pox scars may take up to a year to heal completely. Usually, they do heal without leaving a trace unless they are highly infected, in which case, healthy tissue does not form naturally. This can cause scars, pits, and indentations in the skin, which remain permanently.

4· Are there options for chicken pox marks removal naturally?
Coconut oil, aloe vera gel, vitamin E oil, honey, and lemon juice are some of the most effective natural treatments that can help lighten blemishes and reduce the visibility of chicken pox scars. However, discuss with a dermatologist before starting any home remedy for chicken pox scars.

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