Scars Caused by Chickenpox Virus
Chickenpox is a common among children but teens and adults can get it also if they did not have it or did not get vaccinated when they were younger and infected by the virus later in life.
Chickenpox is very contagious and causes small, red blisters that are filled with fluid and itchy. The chickenpox is – for most – a mild disease but complications can arise.
If you had the chicken pox virus when you were younger and later in your adult life decide you want to see if there is something you can do for the pitted scars left behind, we can give you some suggestions that can help.
Pitting to the skin and scars is actually a very common side effect that many people will see after having the chickenpox virus. If the scars and pits are not very noticeable, there is a good chance that over time they will slowly fade and become less noticeable.
It’s possible if you scratched at the blisters it may have caused a deep wound that left you with a few pitted scars.
Most of us don’t really mind the ones on our body but if the pitting or scars happened on the face, many of us will want to do what we can to safely lessen the signs of them.
How to Avoid Scars and Pitting Caused by Chickenpox
It’s important if you have the chicken pox to try and resist the urge to scratch the itch especially when there is a scab or dried blisters.
Picking these off will cause scarring or pitting to the skin and they could become infected. It’s a good idea to keep your fingernails trimmed in the event you forget and find yourself scratching, this could help avoid breaking the blisters.
To help with the itch, press a cool compresses on the skin, don’t rub; lay the compress on the skin. You can also make a paste of baking soda and water and apply it to the area that is itching.
Home Remedies for Chickenpox Pits and Scarring
Vitamin E Oil Capsules
Puncture the capsule and gently rub into the skin in the morning after showering and at bedtime. The oil will penetrate and help soften the skin and may help scars from getting darker.
Alpha Hydroxy to Exfoliate Skin
Alpha hydroxyl acid (AHA) creams are a good way to exfoliate away dead skin cells that will leave you with smoother, healthier looking skin. Glycolic acid is one of the most popular products used when people are looking for a way to smooth the skin, help with scars, wrinkles, etc.
Glycolic acid skin care products come in various strengths. It’s important to start with a mild concentration of 5 to 10 percent and over time work your way up to a higher concentration. It can take time to see results and you don’t want to rush the process by starting off with a higher concentration that is too strong for your skin. Starting off with a higher concentration can lead to redness, chemical burns and more scarring if you’re not careful.
More Severe Scarring or Pitting
If the pitted scars are more severe, you may want to consider a doctor that offers microdermabrasion treatments, fillers or laser resurfacing procedures. These can help reduce pitting, scarring or possibly remove them permanently - depending on the severity of the pits.
