How Do I Treat Chickenpox Scars?

A chickenpox outbreak can lead to hundreds of tiny scars.

Chickenpox scars -- small pitted or red skin blemishes -- are the result of a bad brush with the childhood illness -- though adult outbreaks are possible. The virus, which creates the itchy red rash and bumps that secrete an oozy puss, makes affected skin even more delicate. When the area begins to scab over and is scratched, it can create scarring that stays with you well into adulthood. There are a few basic steps you can take that not only help you prevent scarring, they help treat the existing chickenpox scars.

Things You'll Need

• Calamine lotion
• Topical scar treatment

Instructions

1. Wear gloves or be sure to cut you nails down during the itchy, oozy stage of the chicken pox outbreak. The more you can resist itching the spots, the less likely you are to damage the skin and cause scarring.

2. Apply calamine lotion or another soothing lotion to the red bumps to help alleviate the itching. This, in turn, helps prevent any scarring associated with scratching the skin.

3. Apply a good quality scar treatment product directly to the chicken pox scar. A good quality product contains silicone-based ingredients, which have a waterproof barrier.

4. Continuously re-apply the topical scar treatment product until the redness of the scar starts to fade. By re-applying consistently, the topical product helps retain moisture around the scar, helping it to heal.

5. Drink plenty of water to help rid the system of toxins. The scar treatment process can take anywhere from 60 to 90 days to show improvement.

Tips & Warnings

• Vitamin E does not work for scar treatment, contrary to popular belief.

References

• Mayo Clinic: Chcikenpox; Lifestyle and Home Remedies
• New York Times: Health Guide; Chickenpox
• Scar Treatment Association; Best Scar Treatment -- A Comparison of Which Natural Therapies Work...; Dec. 17, 2009
• Medline Plus: Chickenpox