Chickenpox causes intensely itchy blisters. The scarring is due to scratching of the chickenpox blisters. The skin gets damaged because of a deep wound caused by intense scratching. The resulting skin is commonly referred to as scar tissue. Chickenpox scarring produces a sunken appearance of the tissue due to skin inflammation and subsequent scratching.
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Understanding The Chickenpox Virus
Chickenpox, also referred to as varicella syndrome, is a type of contagious infection that is triggered by the varicella zoster virus. Although it is typically not considered a life-threatening infection, complications may develop. Symptoms of the chickenpox virus include fever, malaise, loss of appetite, aching muscles, nausea and itchy blisters. The risk of serious complications caused by the varicella virus increases in adults. Between 5% and 15% of cases of adults who develop chickenpox will experience respiratory illness, such as pneumonia [2]. Treatment includes a seven-day course of intravenous acyclovir for varicella pneumonia.
When chickenpox develops, the blister-like spots appear on the face and spread to the torso and limbs. They will be small, red and generally itchy. Blisters are likely to appear on top of these spots which can add to the itching sensation. After two days, the blisters start drying and developing crusts. These crusts eventually fall off on their own. The best way to protect yourself or your kids from chickenpox is to ensure they receive the varicella vaccine.
Removing Chicken Pox Scars
People who are exposed to chickenpox disease know how frustrating it is to deal with the subsequent appearance of scars on the skin. This is especially true as the healing process can take weeks.
When blemishes appear on the skin, most people look for steps to lessen or alleviate their appearance. For those who have to deal with chicken pox scars, especially facial scars, finding the appropriate treatment is imperative. If you want to treat chicken pox scars, try the following skin care tips.
Vitamin E oil and aloe vera
To alleviate chicken pox scars naturally, mix vitamin E oil and aloe vera on the affected areas of the skin. Both these ingredients have soothing properties that reduce the itching and promote better faster healing. After combining these two ingredients, apply the mixture on the scarring several times in a day to prevent the scars from becoming dark.
Cocoa butter
Another tip for treating chicken pox scars is to apply cocoa butter to the blemishes on the skin. Cocoa butter is known for its ability to heal scars and spots quickly.
Lemon juice
For healing chicken pox scars, try using lemon juice as it is known for its ability to brighten the skin naturally. Lemon juice is packed with citric acid and vitamin C which are useful when dealing with scarring and skin discolorations. When using this treatment, make sure that the scars and spots from chickenpox are already healed to avoid getting stung by the acidic nature of the lemon juice. If your skin type is a bit sensitive, such as in the case of the skin of young children, mix the juice from half a lemon with two teaspoons of honey. Leave the solution on the affected areas for ten to fifteen minutes, then rinse afterward.
Papaya
Papaya is commonly used to brighten the skin thanks to the enzyme it contains called papain. This enzyme eliminates the dead skin found on the surface of the skin. Another plus to using this ingredient as a treatment for chicken pox scars is that it retains moisture which can speed the healing process. Make a papaya scrub by mixing a cup of fresh papaya, five tablespoons of fresh milk and five tablespoons of brown sugar. Start by combining the sugar and milk, then mix until the sugar granules have dissolved. Add the fresh papaya bits into the milk and sugar, and use it as a scrub after washing with mild soap. Use this regularly until achieving the desired result.
Honey
To heal chicken pox scars naturally, take advantage of honey. Honey contains antioxidants that help the healing process by boosting collagen production. Its antiseptic properties also aid in treating chickenpox scarring, especially when the scars have not yet thoroughly dried. Choose raw, organic honey as part of any scar treatments.
Baking soda
As chickenpox is quite itchy, baking soda can be used as soon as the blisters develop. Scarring occurs due to scratching at the blisters. Applying baking soda on the affected areas may soothe the itching and irritation while exfoliating the skin in the process. Make a baking soda paste by mixing a bit with water. Massage the paste on the spots on the skin to help remove the dead skin cells. An oatmeal paste or bath is also worth a try.
Aloe vera
Aloe vera provides soothing and healing which can banish itching and irritation. Gather the gel from the leaves of the plant, and apply directly on the lesions. This provides some relief from the itching while speeding the healing process.
Chemical peels
In cases where atrophic scars have formed, the use of chemical peels may be recommended by a dermatologist. Chemical peels help improve chicken pox scars by reducing their tonal and textural irregularities. Glycolic acid is typically used for chemical peels. It can be used to resurface the skin and lessen the impact of chicken pox scars. Chemical peels are often used to treat dark spots that occur with aging and to treat acne.
Photofacial rejuvenation
Another technique for chicken pox scar removal is a photo facial rejuvenation which is a type of laser treatment that focuses on skin lesions. The tissue and capillaries are treated with intense pulsating light energy which aids in the rejuvenation of the skin’s complexion at the cellular level. This treatment also improves collagen production which makes the surface of the skin smooth. As a bonus, this laser treatment reduces the appearance of redness and wrinkles.
Dermal fillers
For chicken pox scars removal, sunken scar tissue must be treated. In this case, dermal fillers may be advised. As the name suggests, these sunken pockets of skin are filled until the depressed area becomes even with healthy skin. This may not improve the discoloration of the skin, but it can even the skin’s surface with chicken pox scars removal.
Micro-needling
To remove chickenpox scars, opt for micro-needling where a roller equipped with tiny needles penetrates the skin to encourage collagen production on the affected areas. This can help fill the sunken skin to its normal shape and alleviate the appearance of chicken pox scars.
Laser treatments
Another solution for scars caused by chickenpox is undergoing laser treatments for chicken pox scars removal. These treatments use light energy to boost the healing of the damaged skin by smoothing out the uneven pockets and dealing with discoloration.
A Last Word About Chicken Pox Scars
Chickenpox often causes discomfort especially when rashes and blisters appear. Fortunately, there are ways to alleviate the itching and reduce the scarring. Chicken pox cream scars are also available to apply on the spots, reduce the irritation and improve their condition. If the scars are still fresh or have been around for some time, try any of the treatments mentioned above to help them fade.
Chicken Pox Scars Resources:
[1] US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health; Varicella vaccination – the global experience, Peter Wutzler, Paolo Bonanni, Margaret Burgess, Anne Gershon, Marco Aurélio Sáfadi, Giacomo Casabona, July 13, 2017.[2] US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health; Varicella Pneumonia: Case Report and Review of a Potentially Lethal Complication of a Common Disease, John T. Denny, MD, Zoe M. Rocke, BS,2 Valerie A. McRae, MD,1 Julia E. Denny, MSN, CRNA,3 Christine Hunter Fratzola, MD,1 Sajjad Ibrar, MD,1 Joyce Bonitz, MD, James T. Tse, MD, PhD, Shaul Cohen, MD,1 Scott J. Mellender, MD, Geza K. Kiss, MD.
1 comment
I got chicken pox 2 months and still yet the scars are there in my face…so please tell me how to remove those scars.