Easy Ways to Get Rid of Chicken Pox Scars
Nobody likes chicken pox scars, especially if they’re clearly visible. So having these scars can affect your confidence but it doesn’t have to be that way.
The good news is that there’s still hope to have your clear skin back. If you don’t know how, this guide will give you the easiest ways to get rid of your chicken pox scars!
What is chicken pox?
By definition, chicken pox is a highly contagious skin disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV). It’s responsible for causing itchy, blister-like rash, and red lesions on the skin.
On one hand, there’s a vaccine specifically made to prevent children from having chicken pox. However, if you never had chicken pox as a child, you can still get it as an adult.
Once you contract chicken pox at an older age, the infection can be severe, as well as its after-effects including scarring.
What causes chicken pox scars and how long does it last?
Generally, excessive scratching of chicken pox pustules can potentially damage your skin and cause scarring. This is because the intensity of the scratch harms your skin, it later on becomes a deep wound then a scar tissue.
Although in some cases, even if you don’t scratch the red lesions, there may still be scarring or dark spots on your skin. Some of these scars fade away over time though, lasting for only 6 to 12 months.
Unfortunately, for others, chicken pox can cause permanent scarring.
What are the ways to remove chicken pox scars?
To remove your unsightly chicken pox scars, there are several ways and various treatments for you to choose from.
But keep in mind that you should consult your dermatologist first or go to your most trusted aesthetic clinic right before you start the treatment.
Natural Home Treatments
Some scientific research shows that rosehip oil can help lessen scar appearance.
The essential oil from rosehips has an antioxidant effect and phytochemical composition, which can reduce redness and discoloration once applied to the skin.
It’s said that applying it to a scar twice a day for the next 12 weeks may improve the appearance of the scar.
Also, regular exfoliation works too since it can remove old and dead skin cells in the process. That includes mechanical exfoliants like body scrub, pumice stones, and loofah sponge.
Additionally, you can use chemical exfoliants such as lotions and body wash as well. Once you exfoliate often, the rough sensation and discoloured tissue of your scar will lessen.
Over-the-Counter (OTC) Treatments
You can easily buy scar removal creams in your nearest drugstore. This cream contains retinol and glycolic acid, which is commonly used for acne scars.
This treatment helps improve acne scars in a significant manner, which is also believed to aid in the removal of chicken pox scars due to their same appearance.
There’s also OTC chemical peels, but these peels only treat mild scarring and can be less effective than medical peeling.
However, having your scar checked by a skin specialist is still the better option. Some may even find it extra helpful to have professional peeling treatment first, then continue with chemical peels at home.
Professional Treatments
When it comes to excessive and heavy scarring, seeking professional help is still the best solution. Some of these medical scar removal treatments are the following:
- Excision and punch excision
This treatment is mostly done when all other scar removal techniques have failed. Also, this includes surgically removing the scar tissue and stitching up the skin.
- Microneedling
This new procedure uses a rolling-pin type tool covered in needles. Doctors apply an anaesthetic cream to the scarred areas then roll this tool to puncture the skin-—the needles produce collagen.
This process sands away the top layer of the skin, which enables skin restructuring. In fact, this treatment is highly effective against scars.
- Chemical Peels
A high potency acid is spread all over the scarred areas, removing the outer layer of the skin. This procedure helps in improving the look of deep scars.
- Laser Resurfacing
This is the most effective and commonly used treatment by professionals. Laser therapy reduces the appearance of old scars, enhances chicken pox scars, and lessens discolouration.