Chickenpox is a contagious and common viral infection that causes raised, red, and very itchy bumps across the body. Because the bumps are intensely itchy, it is common for those affected to scratch to the point of broken skin or bleeding, which can result in scarring. Chickenpox scars are often round, sunken, and darker in colour than the surrounding skin, and while they are harmless, many patients find them a lasting source of self-consciousness. At SpaMedica, we offer a range of non-surgical treatments to meaningfully reduce their appearance.
What Causes Chickenpox Scars?
Chickenpox scars are caused by scratching the raised, itchy blisters produced by the virus to the point of skin damage. When the skin is broken repeatedly during the healing process, the body's collagen production is disrupted, resulting in scarring rather than smooth skin regeneration. The depth and appearance of the resulting scar depends on the severity of the skin damage and the individual's healing response.
Types of Chickenpox Scars
Chickenpox scars can take several different forms:
Round Marks: Scars that are typically five to ten millimetres in diameter with a reddish or brown appearance, often leaving a visible discolouration even after the texture has settled.
Raised Scars: Also known as hypertrophic or keloid scars, these occur when the body produces an excess of collagen during the healing process, resulting in a scar that sits above the level of the surrounding skin.
Atrophic Scars: Sunken or pitted scars that occur when collagen is damaged and unable to heal properly, leaving a depression in the skin surface. This is the most common type of chickenpox scar.
Non-Surgical Chickenpox Scar Treatments at SpaMedica
Microdermabrasion: Microdermabrasion uses an abrasive instrument to gently remove the thick outer layer of skin, improving overall tone and texture and reducing the appearance of scarring and hyperpigmentation. It is a gentle and low-downtime option well suited to patients with mild to moderate chickenpox scarring.
Chemical Peels: Chemical peels remove the outer layer of skin and stimulate the production of new skin cells, resulting in a more even texture and a progressive reduction in the appearance of scars. They can be used as a standalone treatment or as part of a broader multi-treatment plan.
Microneedling: A microneedling device with tiny needles is moved across the skin, creating microscopic punctures that stimulate collagen production and promote skin renewal. Over a series of treatments, microneedling produces meaningful improvements in skin smoothness and scar depth. Some minimal bleeding may occur during treatment, which is normal and resolves quickly.
Dermal Fillers: For pitted or sunken atrophic scars, hyaluronic acid-based dermal fillers can be precisely injected into the depressed areas to lift and smooth them. Fillers are highly effective for this type of scarring but are temporary, requiring repeat treatment approximately every six months to maintain the improvement.
FotoFacial: Intense pulsed light treatments and photo facials are effective methods for reducing the visible discolouration and redness associated with chickenpox scarring. Treatment times vary depending on the size of the area being treated, and a series of sessions is typically recommended for optimal results.
Fractional Laser: Fractional laser resurfacing uses light energy to stimulate new collagen production and accelerate skin healing, smoothing uneven areas, reducing scar depth, and fading discolouration. It is one of the most effective options for more significant or deeply pitted chickenpox scarring.
PRP: Platelet-rich plasma therapy involves injecting the patient's own growth factors into the skin to accelerate healing and improve the quality of damaged tissue where scar formation has occurred. It can be used as a standalone treatment or combined with other approaches such as microneedling for enhanced results.
How to Prevent Chickenpox Scars
Because chickenpox is most commonly contracted in childhood, scarring has often already occurred by the time treatment is sought. However, for those who currently have chickenpox, avoiding scratching the itchy blisters is the most effective way to prevent scarring. Soothing the itch with oatmeal baths, cold compresses, aloe vera, Vitamin E, or calamine lotion can help reduce the urge to scratch. Keeping nails short or wearing mittens makes it more difficult to break the skin. Antihistamines can also help manage itching during the active phase of the illness. For children with chickenpox, keeping them distracted is an effective way to reduce the likelihood of scratching.
Microdermabrasion
Microdermabrasion uses an abrasive instrument to gently remove the thick outer layer of skin, improving overall tone and texture and reducing the appearance of scarring and hyperpigmentation. It is a gentle and low-downtime option well suited to patients with mild to moderate chickenpox scarring.
Chemical Peels
Chemical peels remove the outer layer of skin and stimulate the production of new skin cells, resulting in a more even texture and a progressive reduction in the appearance of scars. They can be used as a standalone treatment or as part of a broader multi-treatment plan.
Microneedling
A microneedling device with tiny needles is moved across the skin, creating microscopic punctures that stimulate collagen production and promote skin renewal. Over a series of treatments, microneedling produces meaningful improvements in skin smoothness and scar depth. Some minimal bleeding may occur during treatment, which is normal and resolves quickly.
Dermal Fillers
For pitted or sunken atrophic scars, hyaluronic acid-based dermal fillers can be precisely injected into the depressed areas to lift and smooth them. Fillers are highly effective for this type of scarring but are temporary, requiring repeat treatment approximately every six months to maintain the improvement.
FotoFacial
Intense pulsed light treatments and photo facials are effective methods for reducing the visible discolouration and redness associated with chickenpox scarring. Treatment times vary depending on the size of the area being treated, and a series of sessions is typically recommended for optimal results.
Fractional Laser
Fractional laser resurfacing uses light energy to stimulate new collagen production and accelerate skin healing, smoothing uneven areas, reducing scar depth, and fading discolouration. It is one of the most effective options for more significant or deeply pitted chickenpox scarring.
