How To Remove Deep Chicken Pox Scars?

One of the sequelae of an outbreak are scars that are remnants of chickenpox infection. The chickenpox scars are indented on the skin and are atrophic. While most scars fade over time, a few persist, requiring professional treatment to help remove them altogether.

What Causes Chickenpox Scars In Adults?

Chickenpox causes blisters all over the body accompanied by severe itching.  It is imperative to resist the temptation to scratch the blisters. The two major causes of chickenpox scars are:

• Excessive scratching during infection, which damages the skin and creates deep wounds.
• Skin inflammation which results in indented scars.

The itching sensation creates a raw area when the bump is scratched. After 5-7 days, once the crust sheds naturally, it can lead to permanent scarring of the skin tissue. The scarring also depends on the intensity of the skin infection, the severity of the inflammation, and the depth of the blister formation. Prominent areas prone to getting chickenpox scars are the face, chest and back.

Must Read: Do You Have Old Chickenpox Marks? TRY Professional Removal Solutions

Types of Chickenpox Scars

Not all of these scars are permanent, and many of them fade over time. Cosmetic intervention can even help treat permanent scars. Listed below are the two main types of chickenpox scars:

• Atrophic Scars: These pitted scars are caused by skin inflammation, where the collagen in the skin becomes damaged, causing improper healing and depressed scars.
• Light Round Marks: Compared to atrophic scars, these marks are less severe in nature and resemble post acne marks which may be light red or brown in colour. In a few cases, the scars are elevated from the surface of the skin.

# Scars are common though not many know that based on the injury, they fall under different types. Watch this video to learn more about this.

Chickenpox Scar Removal Treatments

Let’s have a quick look at some of the popular options for removing old chickenpox scars

• Laser Resurfacing: Laser treatment for chickenpox scars are the most trusted methods available in reputed skin clinics. In this procedure, the scar tissue is exposed to a medium or high-intensity energy beam. The dermatologists ensure that the intensity of the laser device is carefully controlled to avoid damaging the surrounding healthy skin tissue. The laser resurfacing treatment helps in lightening the old scar’s color, improving its sunken appearance, and making it less visible. The upper layer of the skin is also removed by the laser, which further stimulates the growth of healthy skin.
  The benefits of laser-based treatments are:

1. 1. The results of the treatment are long-lasting.
   2. They are quick, safe and effective.
   3. They are non-surgical.
      # Watch the fractional laser resurfacing procedure at Oliva Skin and Hair Clinic

• Chemical Peeling Treatment: Chemical peels work by removing the surface layer of the skin, which may help to fade the colour and depth of the scars.  Some of the common agents used are alpha hydroxy acids, beta hydroxy acids, and a combination of both (e.g., TCA Cross peel). The benefits of chemical peels are:

1. 1. Chemical peeling is affordable
   2. It’s a safe, effective and painless procedure

• Subcision Surgery: If the chickenpox scar is large, deep and tethered, then your dermatologist might suggest subcision, which is a slightly invasive surgical procedure. You will not experience any pain in this technique, due to the application of local anaesthesia to the target area. Needles are used to releasing the base of the scarred skin tissue which drastically reduces the depth of the scar. Subcision for chickenpox scars is combined with micro-needling or dermal fillers.
• Microneedling Radiofrequency: Microneedling is one of the safest treatments available for chickenpox scars. In this procedure, radiofrequency energy is deposited in the deeper layers of the skin through tiny needles which trigger the production of collagen. The scar begins to elevate with the induction of new collagen beneath the skin. This method is combined with other techniques like laser resurfacing for longer-lasting results.

• Surgical Procedures: Surgical procedures are ideal if you want a more aggressive approach and a quicker solution. In the punch excision method, scar tissue is removed surgically. It is then stitched with fine sutures to ensure that it is not visible which may leave behind a fine scar which is more aesthetic. Surgical correction is another approach wherein skin grafting is performed by using healthy tissue from other body areas to fill deeper scars.

Must Read: Acne Scar Treatment

Other Treatments For Chickenpox Marks

• Topical Creams: Scars removal creams and ointments, can be used to improve the colour, texture, and overall appearance of the scar. These ointments can help make the scars less noticeable. However, the creams are ineffective on deep pitted chickenpox scars.
• Silicone Sheets: Silicone sheets specifically designed for raised chickenpox scars can be used to flatten, shrink, and fade both new and old scars. The silicone sheets hydrate the scar tissue and over time the scars fade and soften. To see positive results, you will have to use the silicone sheets daily for six months.
• Exfoliation: Exfoliating the skin with chemical peels or microdermabrasion helps to get rid of the skin’s upper layers, which makes the chickenpox scars less visible.
• Sunscreen: Applying a dermatologist-recommended sunscreen with SPF 30 daily will help in faster fading of the scar by preventing pigmentation due to sun exposure, making it less visible over time.

If you have tried the options above without gaining the desired results, it might be due to the nature of the scars as well as the body area affected by them. It is advisable to seek professional treatments by visiting an experienced dermatologist.

What Is The Cost Of Chicken Pox Scar Removal In India?

Reputed clinics in India customize the treatment based on individual need. Laser treatment for chickenpox scar costs between Rs 7,000 to Rs 20,000. Scar removal creams cost between Rs 900 and Rs 7,000, based on the brand and composition.

The cost of treatment varies from one person to another depending on the choice of procedure, the size and depth of the scar, and the number of sessions recommended. The prices mentioned here are indicative only and may vary from one clinic to another based on its location, reputation, the technology available and the experience of the doctor. It is advisable to visit a skin clinic to find out the exact cost of treatment for the removal of chickenpox scars.

Must Read: How To Get Rid Of Old Scars?

How Can I Prevent Chickenpox Scars?

During your chickenpox outbreak, there are certain preventive measures that you can take to avoid the formation of scars. Some of these tips are:

• Avoid scratching the affected areas Use a soothing lotion on the blisters to help tackle the urge to itch.
• Use creams to avoid any damage to the skin while scratching.
• A cool oatmeal bath can provide relief from the itchy blisters.

Chickenpox Scar Removal Before And After Results

The before and after results might vary from one individual to another. It all depends on the course of treatment you have taken. A laser, chemical peeling or micro-needling treatment will improve the overall quality of your skin by fading the appearance of scars to the extent that they are no longer visible.

Now that you know about the expected results of chickenpox scar removal and the available treatment options, you can easily make the right call. Visit our website and book an appointment to see our experts. Our in-house dermatologists will help you take the right approach.