Chickenpox scars: how to eliminate the marks?

How to eliminate chickenpox scars? Read the article and find out how to correct the signs of chickenpox permanently, with the right treatments.

Until a few years ago, when there was no compulsory vaccination, chickenpox was widespread. Among the consequences of this rash illness typical of childhood – which however can also be contracted in adulthood – are the scars it can leave on the skin.

In particular, when these marks remain on the face, the person’s aesthetics can be severely compromised.

Especially when the scars are many and big, they can have disabling psychological consequences, such as discomfort and insecurity, which can undermine the individual’s quality of life and social relationships.

By adopting the right behaviour during the infection, it is entirely possible to prevent the onset of scars, but once they have formed, eliminating them can be very difficult. However, the modern frontiers of aesthetic medicine offer effective answers to remove this widespread issue.

The aim of this article is precisely to understand what they are and, above all, how to eliminate chickenpox scars.

In particular, we will look at the following:

• When do chickenpox scars form?
  • What do chickenpox scars look like?
• How to eliminate the signs of chickenpox
• How long does it take to get rid of chickenpox scars?

When do chickenpox scars form?

Chickenpox scars are a consequence of the removal or injury of vesicles, which characterise this disease.

Chickenpox is characterised by the presence of fluid-filled blisters that cause severe itching. These blisters generally dry out within four to seven days and scabs form.

If the patient can resist scratching, the scabs will fall off without leaving any damage. However, if they scratch themselves and burst the bubbles or remove the scabs before they fall off spontaneously, the risk of remaining scars is very high. In fact, to repair damaged skin, the body will produce scar tissue.

If it is true that prevention is better than cure, resisting the itch can be really difficult, which is precisely why chickenpox scars are an extremely common issue.

Once they have formed, eliminating chickenpox scars can be difficult, especially when we are talking about lesions that occurred a while ago.

It is therefore essential to consult a doctor specialised in aesthetic medicine, who will suggest, among the different types of treatment, the most suitable one to eliminate face scars.

What do chickenpox scars look like?

Chickenpox scars are part of the so-called atrophic scars, i.e. they are characterised by a reduction of skin tissue in the area affected by the lesion, which causes a hollowing of the skin.

Their ‘crater’ shape makes them very similar to acne scars. Precisely for this reason, the most effective treatments are the same ones that specialists in aesthetic medicine resort to, to fill acne holes.

The extent and therefore the visibility of holes in the skin varies from person to person, according to the depth of the lesion.

It is evident that when there are a plurality of scars on the face, a person’s appearance could be severely disfigured; also, hiding them with cosmetic products is very difficult as well as inconvenient and non-resolving.

How to eliminate the signs of chickenpox

As we mentioned earlier, the removal of chickenpox scars requires the intervention of a doctor specialised in aesthetic medicine who, after assessing the specific case, will suggest the best treatment.

An important assessment to make is to date the holes on the skin. For a ‘fresher’ and shallower scar, topical retinol-based products, for example, may be effective. By increasing collagen production, they can help reduce the visibility of the lesion.

In the case of deep and/or dated chickenpox scars, on the other hand, it will be necessary to intervene with deeper treatments.

Among the most widespread and effective, there are:

• Laser treatments: they send regeneration signals to the dermis and stimulate collagen production, smoothing the skin’s surface. Besides having some contraindications (e.g. for dark skin types), they require several sessions in order to achieve appreciable results.
• Chemical peels: they exfoliate the upper layer of the skin, improving its appearance and reducing the visibility of scars. Again, several sessions at intervals will be necessary and the results will be visible after about a month. They are also contraindicated in the case of sensitive skin.
• Hyaluronic acid fillers: they are injected, in the form of a transparent jelly, through very thin needles inside the scars, filling them and eliminating holes in the skin. The results will be immediately visible and the risk of side effects is very low.

Among these treatments, given the characteristics and properties of hyaluronic acid, fillers using this molecule naturally present in our bodies are always used by aesthetic doctors.

How long does it take to get rid of chickenpox scars?

The time required to remove chickenpox scars may vary depending on the severity of the lesions and individual response and, above all, on the type of treatment performed.
As we have seen, treatments such as laser or chemical peelings require several sessions (varying from subject to subject) for the results to be visible.
With hyaluronic acid fillers, results are immediately visible in just one session, although, as it is a resorbable filler, its duration can vary from 4 to 12 months.
The quality of the hyaluronic acid used and the skill and experience of the professional performing the treatment will make the difference. In addition to the patient’s diligence in following the doctor’s instructions regarding upkeep.
Thus, hyaluronic acid injections are an immediate and lasting solution for chickenpox scars.
The important thing is to only consult an experienced aesthetic medicine doctor who will know how to choose the best hyaluronic acid to use on each patient.