Chickenpox is a highly contagious virus that most people contract at least once. Although it will only happen once in a lifetime, it might have long-term consequences, such as chicken pox scarring. Adults seek to lessen chicken pox scars, especially those on their faces. Chicken pox scar treatment takes time but you can get rid of them faster and more successfully by following the dermatologist-recommended best practices outlined in this article.
Stages of Chicken Pox
The early stage chicken pox often pertain to how the rash appears:
- Stage 1 manifests as a red and bumpy rash along with fever. This can last for several days.
- Stage 2 consists of rashes that are filled with fluid and blisters. After approximately a day or two, the blisters open. This fluid is highly contagious.
- Stage 3 occurs when the blisters scab over. Even though the rash progresses through three stages, you may witness multiple sorts of bumps simultaneously. This means that some spots may be forming while others are already breaking open. The full rash can last for roughly 10 days.
Causes of Chickenpox Scars
Primary infection with the varicella-zoster virus causes chickenpox. It usually starts with itchy red bumps that grow into stomach, chest, back, and face blisters before spreading to other facial areas. The blisters heal within one to three weeks but may leave scars. Two factors mainly cause chicken pox scars:
- Excessive scratching damages the skin and leaves deep wounds.
- Skin inflammation leads to indented scars
Because it is more difficult to cure a scar after many years, the best time to treat it is right after it has healed. Chickenpox scars most commonly appear on the face, neck, and back. You can lessen the likelihood of lasting scarring by allowing it to heal correctly and keeping bacteria out.
Symptoms of Chickenpox
Symptoms of chickenpox are easily visible. Healthcare providers can commonly detect chickenpox in your child’s skin. Symptoms of chickenpox often occur in the following order:
- Low-grade fever
- Feeling tired
- Headache
- A stomach ache that makes you not want to eat
- A skin rash that’s extremely itchy and looks like a cluster of small blisters
- Bumps filled with a liquid that looks like milky water
- Scabs after the blisters break
- Skin that looks blotchy
- Crusty spots that fade away
Getting Rid of Chicken Pox Scars
If you are looking for ways to remove chicken pox scars, then this list will help you:
1. Cocoa Butter
Cocoa butter is a cream-colored vegetable fat that comes from the cocoa bean. Its smooth, velvety texture and propensity to melt when applied to the skin make it a popular moisturizer ingredient. Although it contains antioxidants and effectively moisturizes the skin, it is unlikely to lessen the appearance of scars. However, it can improve the elasticity of the skin.
2. Rosehip Oil
Rosehip essential oil has a high medicinal potential due to their antioxidant properties and phytochemical makeup. These phytochemicals include ascorbic acid and fatty acids. According to research, putting rosehip oil on a recent scar twice daily for 12 weeks may help in fading its appearance.
3. Exfoliants
Exfoliation eliminates dead skin cells, allowing for younger, healthier-looking skin. Exfoliating a scar might help remove some pigmented or tough skin. There are two kinds of exfoliation: mechanical and chemical.
4. Scar Removal Creams
Over-the-counter (OTC) scar removal creams contain various chemicals thought to help prevent or decrease the appearance of scars. Although there is less clinical evidence, many people find them beneficial.
Some natural remedies for removing chickenpox scars include:
- Aloe vera
- Oats
- Cocoa butter
- Argan oil
- Olive oils
- Coconut oil
- Jojoba oil
- Shea butter
- Lemon Juice
- Honey
- Baking soda
Conclusion
In conclusion, the varicella-zoster virus causes chickenpox, a contagious illness. It can be hazardous in adults and persons with compromised immune systems. The most effective strategy to avoid chickenpox is to be vaccinated and limit exposure to infected individuals. If you currently have it, symptom management and antiviral drugs will help you recover faster and prevent complications from occurring.
