The chickenpox virus affects many children, teenagers, and even adults every year, causing painful, itchy blisters to form all over the body, sometimes even leaving scars. In this case, know that there are medical solutions and home remedies to make them less obvious.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Treating Scars
Step 1. Undergo a surgical excision
If you want to get rid of the scars, go to the dermatologist and ask for more information about this procedure, during which the scar tissue is removed along with the surrounding skin.
- The surgeon uses a sharp, round instrument to remove the skin surrounding the blemish and then suture the wound.
- The main disadvantage of excision is that it in turn leaves scars, although they are lighter and smaller than those of chickenpox.
Step 2. Try the elevation method
It is typically used for deeper and older scars; it consists of a surgical procedure that involves the administration of local anesthesia, but which can be very effective if the imperfections are particularly deep.
- An instrument similar to that of excision is used, but the cut is made slightly deeper and for this anesthesia is required.
- Elevation is usually effective in reducing the appearance of scar tissue; the disadvantage is that it is still a surgical cut which can in turn cause scars, albeit less evident, less deep and clearer.
Step 3. Give the chemical peel a try
In this case, the superficial layer of the epidermis is removed making the scars lighter.
- There are different types of chemical peels based on the severity of the situation and the desired result; evaluate with the dermatologist the best solution for the kind of scars you have.
- The skin may take up to two weeks to recover from the treatment; although it is not a particularly painful procedure, it can cause a burning sensation; side effects are temporary redness, scars and herpetic blisters.
Step 4. Ask for more details on laser therapy
You can use it for chickenpox scars; So ask your dermatologist if you are a good candidate. This treatment may be preferable to others, as it is non-invasive and has a lower risk of scarring; it does not completely remove the imperfection, but greatly reduces its appearance.
Step 5. Use a silicone based cream that contains zinc
If the scars affect a child, surgical procedures or chemical peels are certainly not the best solutions; therefore evaluate this kind of creams that can make skin defects less evident. Respect the directions described on the package regarding the posology.
Method 2 of 3: Home Remedies
Step 1. Apply Vitamin E Oil
It is believed to be a natural antioxidant that can accelerate the skin's healing process by potentially fading chickenpox scars.
- Food sources rich in this vitamin include spinach, vegetable oils, seeds such as sunflower seeds, dried fruit such as almonds, fruit such as papaya and avocado. You can buy vitamin E supplements at the pharmacy and take them once or twice a day.
- Apply the oil daily directly to the skin, for example you can use avocado slices.
- Remember that this method has not been subjected to much clinical research and the results are however inconclusive; as a result, it may be ineffective in your specific case. Be careful when taking supplements and discuss their use with your doctor before incorporating them into your diet.
Step 2. Try lemon juice
It is known for its whitening properties against some people's dark spots; the reason may come from its vitamin C and citric acid content, both of which act as exfoliants to remove the superficial skin layer. Give it a try and evaluate the results.
- Apply the liquid to the scars for about 10 minutes and then wash it gently. Pat your skin dry with a clean cloth; do not use lemon juice on children, because their skin is much more sensitive than that of adults.
- Just like many other home remedies, the use of lemon juice against scars has not been clinically tested; if the situation worsens or the skin becomes irritated, stop treatment and consult your doctor.
Step 3. Try raw honey
It is one of the best natural antioxidants; in some cases, it has been shown to improve the appearance of the skin and may be effective in removing chickenpox scars.
Apply a small amount on the imperfections leaving it to act for five minutes and repeat the procedure as needed; by doing so, the scars may be less noticeable. Unlike lemon juice, honey can be used safely on children
Method 3 of 3: Prevent Scarring
Step 1. Take medication during viral infection
Since chickenpox scars are difficult to remove, it is best to prevent them from forming from the very beginning of the disease. By taking the right medicines while the symptoms of the virus are present you can greatly reduce this risk.
The family doctor prescribes creams against itching and also a course of antibiotics; take them as directed and complete the antibiotic treatment even if you start to get better
Step 2. Take an oat bath
This "grandmother's remedy" soothes your skin by causing you to scratch less and, consequently, reducing the chances of scars forming.
- Place a cup of raw oatmeal in a muslin bag and close it with string.
- Fill the bathtub with warm water and drop the bag into it; squeeze it until the water turns milky and soak for about 20 minutes.
Step 3. Have the children wear gloves
The normal reaction to itching is scratching the skin, but it is also the main cause of scar development. Small children should wear "scratch mittens" to prevent their skin from marring. This means wrapping their hands in oven mitts or some other protective fabric; this method is particularly effective with small 2-4 year old patients.
