Chickenpox is a contagious, common viral infection that causes raised, red, very itchy bumps on the entire body. The disease is often contracted in childhood, though it can be caught at any age. Because the raised, red bumps caused by chickenpox are very itchy, it is common for those with the disease to scratch to the point of broken skin or bleeding. When this occurs, it can result in scarring. Chickenpox scars are often round, sunken (atrophic), and darker in colour than the surrounding skin.
Chickenpox scars are generally caused by a wound or injured skin that is the result of scratching.
Chickenpox scars can take several appearances, including:
There are some options for treating chickenpox scars that do not require surgery. Over-the-counter creams and products containing retinol and glycolic acid are shown to be effective at reducing the appearance of all types of scarring, including scarring that has resulted from chickenpox. Exfoliants, both mechanical and chemical, can also help reduce the appearance of scars.
In addition to over-the-counter and at-home treatments, SpaMedica offers a number of non-surgical options that can help treat and eliminate chicken pox scars.
Microdermabrasion is a non-surgical procedure that uses an abrasive instrument to gently remove the thick, outer layer of your skin. This type of procedure can improve your skin’s overall tone and texture by reducing the appearance of scars, and can also help eliminate hyperpigmentation.
Like microdermabrasion, chemical peels remove the outer layer of your skin, and stimulate the production of new skin, resulting in a more even texture and a reduction in the appearance of scars.
During a microneedling procedure, an instrument with tiny needles is moved over the skin. The microscopic pricks stimulate collagen growth, which results in smoother skin. Some bleeding may occur, but this is normal and is usually extremely minimal.
For pitted or sunken scars, fillers with ingredients such as hyaluronic acid can be injected into the skin. While dermal fillers can be extremely effective in reducing or eliminating the appearance of chickenpox scars, they are temporary, and will need to be repeated approximately every six months.
Light therapy, or photo facials, are extremely effective methods for reducing visible scarring. Treatments take anywhere from 15 minutes to several hours, depending on the size of the treatment area.
Laser resurfacing treatments use light energy to stimulate new collagen production and skin healing, which can smooth uneven areas, reduce scarring, and fade discolouration.
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) can be injected into the skin to accelerate healing, which can improve damaged skin where there is scar tissue.
Because most individuals will get chickenpox in childhood, it is likely that the scarring has already occurred. However, if you have chickenpox, you can prevent scarring by avoiding scratching the red, itchy bumps caused by the virus. Soothe the itch instead by taking baths with oatmeal or by applying cold compresses, aloe vera, vitamin e or calamine lotion to the skin. You may also find keeping your nails short or wearing mittens helpful, as this will make it more difficult for you to scratch your skin. Antihistamines can also help reduce itching.
If your child has chickenpox, you can prevent them from experiencing scarring by using the tips above. Keeping children distracted is also an excellent way to help prevent them from scratching itchy chicken pox bumps.
Check out our before and after section here!
The cost to repair and reduce the appearance of chickenpox scars will depend on the treatment you choose, the size of the area you wish to have treated, and the number of treatments required. The clinical staff at SpaMedica can help you determine which treatment is right for you, and will be able to advise on the estimated overall cost of your treatment after your consultation.
The professional clinical staff at SpaMedica are experienced in a variety of non-surgical cosmetic procedures, including procedures that can help reduce the appearance of chickenpox scars. Regardless of the treatment you choose, our staff will work with you to help you achieve your optimal desired outcome, to increase your self-confidence and self-esteem. Book your chickenpox scar removal consultation with us today!
Juvederm, one of the most popular dermal fillers available, used to soften lines, wrinkles & add volume lost through the aging process.
A soft tissue dermal filler for facial contour augmentation, for lip enhancement, and improve the appearance of wrinkles.
A soft tissue filler used to create a more youthful appearance by replacing lost collagen to smooth out facial wrinkles and folds.
Augmentation of facial areas that have lost volume as a result of hereditary factors or trauma, with fat grafts harvested from another area of the body.
Erbium laser skin resurfacing removes the upper layer of the skin to reveal smoother and younger-looking skin.
