Anita, a 36-year-old woman, was left with ‘life-changing’ scarring after contracting chickenpox from her 4-year-old daughter. She says that the aftermath of adult chickenpox had shattered her self-belief. After an eight-day battle with the illness, Anita, a receptionist by profession, was left with large, dark chicken pox scars, leaving her too self-conscious and uncomfortable. She even felt hesitant to go out of the house. |
Do you relate to this? If yes, then the below article is just what you have been looking for to do away with those mulish scars.
Chickenpox can cause open wounds that dry out and form stubborn scars on the face and almost every part of your body. These are actually atrophic scars. The above incident of Anita is a similar case after a brief yet severe episode of chicken pox.
What are ATROPHIC SCARS?
An atrophic scar is a scar that is indented and heals below the normal layer of skin tissue. When the skin is unable to regenerate tissue, atrophic scars form. As a result, it results in uneven scarring. Apart from chicken pox, atrophic scars can frequently be caused by severe acne. They can also develop after a mole is removed.
Types of atrophic scars
- Ice pick scars– These scars resemble deep pores because they are small and narrow.
- Boxcar scars – These are typical chicken pox scars. They have indentations which have defined borders and flat bottoms.
- Rolling scars – These are scars that do not have distinct edges. They are most commonly found on the cheeks.
Did you know? A virus called Varicella Zoster causes chickenpox. Varicella rash most of the time develops into permanent depressed scars. In fact, up to 18% of post-varicella patients were documented who complained about dealing with life-long cosmetic issues due to chickenpox or atrophic scars. |
What are the options for atrophic scar treatment?
TOPICAL treatment options
To get rid of chickenpox scars on your face, there are a few topical treatments available. Consult our dermatologists to determine the most suitable one for your skin condition.
Retinol Creams
According to research, medicated creams containing retinol and glycolic acid are excellent for increasing collagen production in the skin. They also aid in the removal of acne scars. Retinols, on the other hand, must be used under the supervision of a doctor.
Creams for scar removal
Certain scar reduction creams can fade scar pigmentation, giving your face a clean, smooth appearance.
Exfoliants
Skin exfoliation with the right exfoliant removes damaged skin cells while also regenerating new skin cells. Consult your doctor to determine the best exfoliant for your skin type and conditions.
Silicone Sheets
The primary application of silicone sheets is to treat keloids and hypertrophic scars. They hydrate the skin tissues, causing scars to shrink and flatten, promoting healing and subsequent fading.
Chemical Peels
Glycolic acid-containing OTC chemical peels can help improve skin texture. It exfoliates dead skin cells, promotes cell regeneration, and lightens scars. Depending on the severity of the scar, our doctors may recommend medium-deep or deep chemical peels. However, before using OTC chemical peels, consult a doctor and follow the instructions on the package. Otherwise, they may irritate the skin, cause chemical burns, or worsen the skin’s condition.
PROFESSIONAL derma TREATMENT methods
Older scars may not fade out easily and may necessitate medical treatment. A licensed dermatologist like our experts at Sinovate can help you through your treatment and make recommendations to help you recover faster.
Our dermatologist may recommend the following treatments for your atrophic scars:
Laser Resurfacing/Laser Therapy
Lasers of specific wavelengths are used in this treatment to stimulate collagen production in the affected area and fade scars. This procedure is carried out by a trained professional and is minimally invasive. You may, however, need to attend multiple sessions.
Microneedling
Microneedling is a procedure that involves puncturing the skin with needles to create micro-injuries. This induces the skin to produce collagen in order to heal the injury, thereby reducing the visibility of scars. This treatment is administered by trained professionals who use needles of varying thicknesses depending on the depth of the scar.
Microdermabrasion
Microdermabrasion can help fade chickenpox scars by sanding away the epidermis with a high-speed rotating crystal tip device. The removal of the topmost layer of the skin promotes cell regeneration and improves skin texture.
Dermal Fillers
Fillers can be used to reshape depressed and sunken atrophic scars. Dermal fillers are composed of hyaluronic acid and healthy fats and are injected beneath scar tissues to reduce indentation. However, this treatment is only effective for six months.
Punch Excision
This atrophic scar treatment is recommended for scars that are deep, severe, pitted, or sunken. The dermatologist will numb your skin and use a punching tool to surgically remove the scar and stitch the skin. Taking care of the blisters during the healing process can help to reduce the risk of scarring. Here’s how to avoid scarring from chickenpox.
Bonus tips to prevent atrophic scarring from chickenpox
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Bottomline
Remember; confidence is what it takes to carry yourself, irrespective of how your skin looks! However, it is also highly important to reach out for the right treatment to keep your skin trouble-free.
We at Skinovate provide a comprehensive range of atrophic scar treatments that are tailored to individual needs. With our experienced team of dermatologists and skin care specialists, we offer patients the best possible results when it comes to treating atrophic scars. Whether you’re looking for laser therapy, dermabrasion, or any other type of treatment, Skinovate has all the resources necessary to help you get your skin back in shape and improve its appearance.
Schedule an appointment today to see how we can help you with your atrophic scar treatment needs!