TL;DR:
- Chickenpox scars form from scab damage during scratching or improper healing, appearing as atrophic lesions (depressions in the skin).
- Prevention includes good hygiene (daily baths, clean bedding), avoiding scratching, cutting nails, using anti-itch preparations, wearing gloves at night, and avoiding UV exposure.
- Scar creams containing retinol, allantoin, or onion extract can reduce visibility by hydrating, exfoliating, or filling tissue defects.
- Home remedies include aloe vera, manuka honey, lemon/cucumber slices, rose oil, and collagen (via diet or creams); effective for fresh scars if used early and consistently.
- Aesthetic treatments include chemical peels, microdermabrasion, mesotherapy, laser therapy, hyaluronic acid fillers, surgical trimming, nano fat grafting, Dermapen, CO2 carboxytherapy, and scar plasticity. Consult specialists first.
Smallpox scars are an unpleasant reminder of the disease and are very often difficult to get rid of. Chickenpox is a childhood disease that can be contracted through the droplet route. The disease is characterized precisely by small pimples in the form of pustules, which gradually take the form of blisters. The disease is also often accompanied by severe itching. Although chickenpox is not dangerous to health, it can cause dangerous complications. Chickenpox scars are formed during the stage of wound healing and the falling off of scabs. The disease interferes quite a bit with the skin tissue and, as a result, pimple marks take the form of scars.
How do smallpox scars form?
Despite the drugs and vaccines against smallpox, it is a disease that still affects many people. Chickenpox is also distinguished by the fact that it is very easy to contract it – both during childhood and adulthood (in the case of people who did not get the disease while they were children). Chickenpox is distinguished by the presence of characteristic blisters filled with serous fluid. During the course of the disease, these scabs break and turn into scabs, which at the same time cause severe itching. As a result of scratching the skin lesions, scars are formed in the areas of the damaged scab. Traces of skin lesions also occur when the wound is stressed during a blister rupture. Such a phenomenon results in abnormalities during wound healing. Smallpox scars therefore have the character of atrophic lesions. There is a lack of tissue at the site of the resulting wound, so the scar takes the form of a smaller or larger hole in the skin.
How to avoid smallpox scars?
Not everyone who undergoes chickenpox has to expect that stubborn scars will appear later. Many people do not even have the slightest trace of the disease on their skin, and this has nothing to do with the course of smallpox. However, in order to prevent scarring, it is necessary to take special care of hygiene in the area of pimples already during the passage of smallpox. This will prevent possible infections. Patients should therefore take a short bath every day and change their bedding regularly. It is also important to avoid tearing wounds and bursting blisters. This task can be difficult in young children in particular. So it is worth looking for preparations that will protect the areas affected by pimples from itching. To protect wounds from infection, it's also a good idea to follow the instructions given by the doctor. A good solution in children is also to shorten the nails. This helps to negate the effect of scratching. Cotton gloves worn at night also work well. Avoiding the sun and UV radiation also has an effect on reducing scarring.
What ointments and creams to use on chickenpox scars?
For fresh smallpox scars work well special creams and ointments that regenerate the visibility of skin lesions. Some of them contain mild exfoliants and remove the upper layer of skin cells. Still others cause hydration of the cells themselves and "fill in" tissue defects. smallpox scar mask Popular are creams and ointments with retinol – a derivative of vitamin A, which increases collagen production in the skin. In pharmacies you can also buy ointments with allantoin, mother of pearl and onion extract. They help soften the tissues and relax their collagen structure, which is equivalent to reducing the visibility of scars.
How to remove smallpox scars with home remedies?
Sometimes, unfortunately, despite the use of all measures to prevent scarring, the lesions still appear. Fortunately, thanks to home remedies, you can significantly reduce their visibility – especially if they are fresh scars. For scars you can apply a special ointment that moisturizes and accelerates healing, such as with aloe vera or manuka honey. Applying lemon and cucumber slices to scars also works. One of the more effective ways to reduce smallpox lesions with home remedies is also applying oils, including rose oil, which contains valuable antioxidants and fatty acids. Applying the oil to fresh scars twice a day for 3 months, can significantly improve the appearance of the skin. It is also good to use collagen, which is a component of the deeper layers of the skin. It is the damage to collagen fibers that has a major impact on the formation of deep holes in the skin. Collagen can be consumed both in foods and externally applied creams. However, such therapy is only effective for fresh scars.
How to remove smallpox scars with aesthetic medicine treatments?
However, the most effective in the fight against smallpox scars turn out to be treatments performed in aesthetic medicine offices. The possibilities are many and among the most popular and effective stand out:
- Chemical peeling – involves the use of special liquids and cosmetics that lead to a mild chemical reaction on the upper layer of the skin. The acid found in the peel causes exfoliation of the outer layer and, as a result, improves the appearance of deep scars. This is the cheapest and easiest treatment for reducing pox lesions.
- Microdermabrasion – involves sanding off the top layer of skin with a special tool – a rotating brush.
- Mesotherapy with fibrin for scars – involves subcutaneous injection of active substances that stimulate tissues to regenerate and actively produce collagen fibers in the scar.
- Laser therapy – due to the action of the laser, small micro-damage occurs in the scar. As a result, the skin is forced to restart the scar healing process – this time correct.
- Filling scars with hyaluronic acid – safe and effective hyaluronic acid is applied under the skin using thin needles to fill in skin defects. As a result, the condition of the skin and scar is also improved, as regeneration and collagen production are stimulated.
- Surgical scar trimming – works well for the treatment of concave scars, as well as an adjunct to laser therapy or hyaluronic acid filling. The procedure involves inserting a cannula under the skin and moving it to break up adhesions and separate the scar from the muscle fascia. Undercutting the scars produces small bleeds between the layers of the scar, which stimulate the tissue to remodel.
- Nano fat scar correction – fat tissue is taken from the waist or thigh area, which is then purified in a special centrifuge. The fat tissue is also broken down into small particles. The purified fat tissue is then injected into the scar area. The material taken from fat-rich areas contains valuable stem cells, which accelerate the skin regeneration process.
- Scar plasticity with an expander – involves cutting out scars and suturing the wound in such a way that the least visible change is created. An expander (an implant placed under the skin) is applied around the scar to lead to the production of an artificial tumor after some time. It helps to stretch the skin covering it. The expander implanted under the skin is also replenished with saline through subcutaneous injections.
- Dermapen – involves the use of an innovative device with micro-needle fractionation technology. The device is equipped with a special head with dozens of small-diameter needles, which are inserted by pulsation into the skin. As a result, micro-damage is created, causing the stimulation of regenerative processes. The scarred defects are filled with healthy tissue.
- Carboxytherapy CO2 – the method uses the effect of carbon dioxide on tissues. The gas is applied under the skin using needle mesotherapy. This results in nourishment of the tissue and stimulation of microcirculation in the treated area. The result is an increase in the production of collagen and elastin fibers, leading to stimulated regeneration.
Before using a particular method, the specialist will always take a medical history and view the depth and extent of the lesions that have formed.
Conclusion
Smallpox scars can feel like a lasting burden, but solutions exist. Prevention starts with proper wound care, hygiene, and avoiding scratching during chickenpox. For existing scars, options range from creams and natural remedies to advanced treatments like laser therapy or microdermabrasion. Each method works differently, but combining expert advice with timely action ensures better results. No matter the severity of scars, persistence and care make a noticeable difference. Choose the approach that fits your needs and take steps toward healthier, smoother skin.
