Chickenpox can leave you with lingering scars into adulthood. This viral infection causes deep seated inflammation in the skin and irritating blisters. Scratching and picking at these blisters can create scar tissue which leads to indentations in the skin.
Some chickenpox scars may fade over time, but most of them are very deep and will remain as permanent scars on the skin.
Chickenpox spots can also leave scars – even if you don't scratch at the itchy red spots, you may still experience scarring that looks like dark spots or marks on your skin. These scars may fade over time, usually over the course of 6 to 12 months, though some people may experience permanent scarring.
Most people who have had chickenpox will be immune to the disease for the rest of their lives. However, the virus remains inactive in nerve tissue and may reactivate later in life causing shingles.
Chickenpox usually lasts five to seven days. The most common symptom is fluid-filled, itchy blisters that appear all over the body. Once the blisters have scabbed over, chickenpox is no longer contagious.
Chickenpox scars form when the skin's healing process is disrupted, resulting in atrophic or sunken scars that can be a source of discomfort or self-consciousness. Fortunately, numerous chickenpox scar treatments are available, including laser therapy and chemical peels.
Several types of laser therapy may help with chickenpox scars. Laser therapy is now one of the most common ways to treat scars and chickenpox marks. Laser therapy uses high-energy light to reduce the appearance of scars.
Chickenpox looks like a rash with spots that turn into blisters. Use calamine lotion to help with the itch. Children and teenagers should stay away from child care, preschool or school until their last blister has scabbed over. Children and teenagers should also stay away from people with weak immune systems.
Dermabrasion. This procedure is usually reserved for more severe scarring. Your doctor removes the top layer of skin with a rapidly rotating brush or other device. Surface scars may be completely removed, and deeper acne scars may appear less noticeable.
Thankfully, there are cosmetic treatments available to do so. Some treatments intend to lighten or soften pox marks, such as scar treatment creams. Usually the cream is to be applied to the scarred area several times a day, as per the individual label's instructions. Over a period of several weeks, the scars can fade.
While some scars may undergo some level of fading, atrophic scars are particularly stubborn and don't resolve over time.
A basal cell carcinoma developed in a chickenpox scar on the chin of a 71-year-old man. A review of the pertinent literature is presented. 1. Connolly JG: Basal cell carcinoma occurring in burn scars .
Atrophic scars are the opposite of hypertrophic scars. They are depressed, sunken and often have a pitted appearance.
Laser treatment for chickenpox scars typically falls between Rs 6,000 and Rs 20,000. For burn marks, expect a range of Rs 10,000 to Rs 30,000. Removal of accident/injury scars price can range from Rs 5,000 to Rs 20,000.
If your baby (up to age 3 months) gets chickenpox, let your child's healthcare provider know right away. Chickenpox is more dangerous to newborns than to other healthy people.
If you're at high risk of complications
If you or your child is at high risk of complications, your provider may suggest antiviral medicine to fight the virus, such as acyclovir (Zovirax, Sitavig). This medicine may lessen the symptoms of chickenpox.
Chickenpox is a highly communicable disease caused by Varicella Zoster Virus. Varicella rash commonly evolves into permanent depressed scars, documented in up to 18% of post varicella patients, leaving life-long cosmetic issues for patients.
Scars, including acne & chicken pox are best treated early as collagen remodelling can be enhanced with minimally invasive treatments including lasers, microneedling & even LED phototherapy. If we catch the scars in a timely manner, we can, in most cases, prevent atrophic changes (contour changes).
Chickenpox is a common infection that spreads easily and mostly affects children. It usually gets better on its own after 1 to 2 weeks without needing to see a GP, but can be serious in some people.
It is possible to get chickenpox (varicella ) twice, though it is not common. After getting chickenpox, children typically build lifelong immunity and will not get it again. 1 Sometimes, a child's immunity to the virus is incomplete, so they could get a second chickenpox infection.
Chickenpox may cause several complications, such as: Bacterial infections of the skin and soft tissues in children, including Group A streptococcal infections. Infection of the lungs (pneumonia) Infection or swelling of the brain (encephalitis, cerebellar ataxia)
When treating chickenpox it is important that parents know not to use Ibuprofen as it has been linked to developing secondary skin infections. In severe cases a condition called necrotising fasciitis has been known to occur. Necrotising fasciitis is a severe and often life threatening infection.
Regular application of aloe vera gel to chicken pox scars can help fade discoloration and improve skin texture over time. Lemon Juice: Lemon juice is a natural exfoliant and skin brightener, making it effective for reducing the appearance of chicken pox scars.