Chickenpox scars
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Chickenpox scars are permanent skin changes that develop as a result of having had chickenpox (varicella), an infectious disease caused by the Varicella-zoster virus (VZV). During the course of the disease numerous fluid-filled vesicles appear on the skin, which form crusts after they rupture. If the healing process is disturbed – for example as a result of scratching the lesions, bacterial superinfection, or deep skin damage – permanent scars can form. Most often these are atrophic scars, which are small depressions in the skin. Chickenpox scars are most commonly located on the face, forehead, cheeks, nose, and trunk, and for many people they constitute an aesthetic problem.
Chickenpox scars – what do they look like
Chickenpox scars have a characteristic appearance and in dermatology they are most often classified as atrophic scars. They form as a result of damage to the deeper layers of the dermis, which leads to a reduction in the amount of collagen and elastic fibers at the site of the lesion.
The most common features of chickenpox scars are:
- small, round or oval depressions in the skin,
- diameter from a few millimetres to about 1 cm,
- irregular skin surface,
- absence of normal skin structure within the scar,
- sometimes a lighter or slightly pink color.
These scars may resemble lesions seen in post-acne scars of the ice-pick or boxcar type, but are usually more irregular and scattered.
The most common locations of chickenpox scars:
- face (especially the forehead, cheeks and nasal area),
- scalp,
- back,
- chest,
- shoulders.
The risk of scarring significantly increases in situations where:
- skin lesions are intensely scratched,
- there is bacterial superinfection,
- the course of the disease is very severe,
- chickenpox occurs in adulthood.
Chickenpox scars usually do not cause pain, but they can be a significant cosmetic problem, especially when located on the face.
Chickenpox scars – what to apply
In the early period after skin lesions have healed, it is possible to reduce the visibility of scars through appropriate skin care. The best results are achieved when preventive measures are implemented during the healing phase of the skin lesions or in the first months after the illness.
In the care of skin prone to scarring, products are used that:
- support skin regeneration,
- improve healing processes,
- stimulate collagen production,
- hydrate and increase tissue elasticity.
The substances most commonly used in scar products include:
- allantoin – supports epidermal regeneration and has soothing properties,
- panthenol (provitamin B5) – accelerates healing and improves skin hydration,
- onion extract (Allium cepa) – exhibits anti-inflammatory effects and may limit the overgrowth of scar tissue,
- vitamin E – acts as an antioxidant and supports skin regeneration,
- heparin – improves microcirculation and softens scar tissue.
It is also important to use photoprotection, as UV radiation can cause persistent discoloration in fresh scars.
Care recommendations include:
- daily use of sunscreens with SPF 30–50,
- regular skin moisturization,
- avoiding irritating cosmetics during the regeneration period.
It is worth emphasizing that topical preparations can improve the appearance of fresh or very superficial scars, whereas for older and deeper lesions their effectiveness is limited.
Chickenpox scars – ointments
Scar ointments are one of the most commonly used conservative treatment methods. These preparations aim to soften scar tissue, improve its elasticity, and partially even out the skin surface.
In dermatology, several main groups of preparations are used:
1. Silicone ointments
Medical silicone is one of the best-studied ingredients used in scar therapy. It forms a thin occlusive layer on the skin surface that:
- maintains an appropriate level of skin hydration,
- reduces tissue tension,
- supports the remodeling of collagen fibers.
Silicone preparations are available as gels or silicone sheets/patches.
2. Ointments with onion extract
Preparations containing onion extract, heparin, and allantoin have:
- anti-inflammatory,
- antiproliferative,
- regulating the scarring process.
3. Retinoid preparations
Topically applied retinoids can:
- accelerate cellular renewal,
- stimulate collagen synthesis,
- improve the epidermal structure.
However, retinoid therapy should be carried out under a dermatologist's supervision, because these substances can cause skin irritation.
It should be remembered that ointments can only partially improve the appearance of scars, especially when they are deep or formed many years earlier.
Chickenpox scar removal
In the case of pronounced or numerous chickenpox scars, it is often necessary to use dermatological and aesthetic medicine treatments that stimulate the skin remodeling process.
The most commonly used methods include:
Laser therapy
Fractional lasers create micro-injuries in the skin that initiate regenerative processes and the production of new collagen. This makes it possible to:
- smooth the skin's surface,
- reduce the depth of scars,
- improve the skin's texture.
A method combining skin microneedling with the action of radiofrequency energy. The procedure:
- stimulates fibroblasts to produce collagen,
- improves skin firmness,
- reduces indentations in scars.
Microneedling (micro-needle mesotherapy)
It involves controlled puncturing of the skin using thin needles, which stimulates repair processes and collagen remodeling.
Medical peels
Chemical peels are used, including:
- trichloroacetic acid (TCA),
- glycolic acid,
- mandelic acid.
They cause exfoliation of damaged skin layers and stimulate regeneration.
Scar filling
In some cases fillers are used, e.g.:
- hyaluronic acid,
- products that stimulate collagen production.
In clinical practice, the best results are achieved by combining several therapeutic methods, because atrophic scars require simultaneous stimulation of the skin and smoothing of its surface.
The number of treatments depends on:
- the depth of the scars,
- their number,
- the patient's age,
- the skin's regenerative capacity.
In most cases, a series of several treatments performed at intervals of a few weeks is necessary.
