Chickenpox is a common viral infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus, recognized by an itchy, blister-like rash. While often mild, chickenpox can leave scars. This article explains scar development, prevention during infection, and management of existing scars.
How Chickenpox Scars Form
Chickenpox scars develop when the infection damages the dermis, the skin’s deeper layer. This disrupts normal healing. When the body repairs this damage, it may not perfectly regenerate the original skin structure, leading to scar tissue formation.
Inflammation from chickenpox lesions contributes to scar development. This response affects collagen, a protein providing skin structure and elasticity. If collagen is lost or improperly produced during healing, depressed or sunken scars, known as atrophic scars, often result as small indentations.
Preventing Scars During the Infection
Preventing scars during an active chickenpox infection focuses on minimizing skin damage and promoting healthy healing. Avoiding scratching itchy blisters is crucial, as this worsens skin trauma and introduces bacteria, increasing the likelihood of scarring. Trimming fingernails short and using mittens, especially for children, can reduce inadvertent scratching.
Applying soothing lotions like calamine or aloe vera alleviates itching, reducing the urge to scratch. Cool baths with oatmeal also provide relief and prevent irritation. For persistent itching, oral antihistamines may be considered.
Maintaining good hygiene is important to prevent secondary bacterial infections, which can complicate healing and lead to more pronounced scarring. Keeping the skin clean and moisturized supports its natural recovery. Protecting affected skin from sun exposure during healing can prevent hyperpigmentation, which makes scars more noticeable.
Treating Existing Scars
For existing scars, several treatment options exist, ranging from home care to professional medical procedures. Over-the-counter remedies, such as silicone sheets or gels, can flatten scars and improve their appearance. Topical creams with vitamin E or aloe vera are also used, but their effectiveness varies.
For noticeable or persistent scars, dermatologists offer professional treatments. Laser therapy, such as fractional laser resurfacing, targets damaged skin layers to stimulate new collagen production and improve skin texture. Chemical peels use solutions to exfoliate outer skin layers, promoting the growth of new, smoother skin.
Other medical interventions include microneedling, which creates tiny punctures to encourage collagen production and skin renewal. Dermal fillers, often hyaluronic acid, can be injected into depressed scars to add volume and even the skin surface. Subcision separates scar tissue from deeper skin layers.
When to Consult a Doctor
Consult a healthcare provider if you suspect signs of a secondary bacterial infection during chickenpox, such as increased redness, warmth, pain, or pus around blisters. Contact a doctor for severe symptoms like persistent high fever, difficulty breathing, stiff neck, or severe headache, as these indicate complications.
Seek medical advice if chickenpox scars are severe, prominent, or cause significant distress. A dermatologist can assess the specific type of scarring and recommend the most appropriate treatment plan. Individuals with weakened immune systems, pregnant women, or infants with chickenpox should seek immediate medical attention due to higher complication risk.