Scars and Pitting Caused by the Chickenpox Virus: Treatments and Remedies

Chickenpox is a highly contagious viral disease that often affects children but can also impact teens and adults who weren't vaccinated or previously infected. While the condition is usually mild, the aftermath—scars and pitting—can be frustrating, especially on visible areas like the face. These marks often result from scratching or picking at the blisters, leading to deeper wounds and permanent scarring.

If you have chickenpox scars and pitting, several remedies, from home remedies to professional medical treatments, are available to help reduce their appearance.

How to Prevent Chickenpox Scars and Pitting

The best way to minimize scarring from chickenpox is through prevention:

  1. Avoid Scratching: Resist the urge to scratch itchy blisters or scabs. Scratching increases the risk of deep wounds and infections, which can result in scarring.
  2. Trim Fingernails: Keep nails short to prevent accidental scratching.
  3. Cool Compresses: For relief from itchy areas, apply a cool compress. Avoid rubbing; instead, gently press the compress onto the skin.
  4. Baking Soda Paste: Mix baking soda with water to create a paste and apply it to itchy spots to soothe irritation.

Lifestyle Tips for Skin Healing

  1. Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated and promote healing.
  2. Eat a Balanced Diet: To support skin repair, include foods rich in vitamins C and E, zinc, and antioxidants.
  3. Avoid Sun Exposure: Protect scars from UV damage by wearing sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher).
  4. Quit Smoking: Smoking delays skin healing and worsens scar appearance.
  5. Be Patient: Scar treatments take time; consistency is key for visible results.

Home Remedies for Chickenpox Scars and Pitting

Chickenpox scars and pitting can be frustrating, but combining home remedies, OTC treatments, and professional options can reduce their appearance. Start with simple remedies like vitamin E oil or aloe vera and progress to advanced treatments like microdermabrasion or laser resurfacing for more severe scarring.

If you're unsure which treatment is best for you, consult a dermatologist to create a personalized plan. With patience and proper care, you can achieve smoother, healthier skin. For those with existing chickenpox scars, these natural remedies can help reduce their visibility over time.

Vitamin E Oil

  • Benefits: Vitamin E promotes skin healing, reduces inflammation, and helps improve skin texture.
  • How to Use:
    • Puncture a vitamin E capsule and massage the oil into the affected area twice daily, preferably after a shower and before bed.
    • Continued use over weeks or months may lighten scars and improve skin elasticity.

Aloe Vera Gel

  • Benefits: Aloe vera has soothing and skin-regenerating properties, making it an effective remedy for scars.
  • How to Use:
    • Apply fresh aloe vera gel or store-bought, pure aloe vera to the scars.
    • Leave it on for 20 minutes before rinsing with lukewarm water.
    • Use daily for best results.

Honey

  • Benefits: Honey is a natural humectant with healing properties that can reduce scar visibility.
  • How to Use:
    • Apply a thin layer of raw or manuka honey to the scars.
    • Cover with a clean cloth and leave it on for 15–20 minutes.
    • Rinse with water and repeat daily.

Coconut Oil

  • Benefits: Coconut oil is rich in antioxidants and fatty acids that nourish the skin and help reduce scarring.
  • How to Use:
    • Warm some virgin coconut oil and massage it into the affected area.
    • Leave it on overnight for deeper penetration.
    • Use daily for optimal results.

Lemon Juice

  • Benefits: Lemon juice contains natural alpha hydroxy acids (AHA) that exfoliate dead skin cells and lighten scars.
  • How to Use:
    • Apply fresh lemon juice to the scars using a cotton pad.
    • Leave it on for 10 minutes before rinsing with cool water.
    • Limit use to a few times per week to avoid irritation.

Note: Lemon juice can make your skin sensitive to sunlight. Always wear sunscreen if using this remedy.

Over-the-Counter (OTC) Treatments for Chickenpox Scars

Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA)

  • Benefits: AHAs, like glycolic acid, help exfoliate the top layer of skin, reducing the appearance of scars over time.
  • How to Use:
    • Start with a mild AHA cream (5–10% concentration) and gradually increase strength.
    • Apply once daily at night, followed by a moisturizer.
  • Caution: Always do a patch test and use sunscreen daily, as AHAs can increase sun sensitivity.

Retinoids

  • Benefits: Retinoids like tretinoin or adapalene promote skin cell turnover and boost collagen production, helping reduce scars and pitting.
  • How to Use:
    • Apply a pea-sized amount to the affected area at night.
    • Combine with a moisturizer to minimize dryness.
  • Caution: Retinoids can irritate; consult a dermatologist before use.

Silicone Gel or Sheets

  • Benefits: Silicone has been clinically proven to reduce the appearance of scars and improve skin texture.
  • How to Use:
    • Apply silicone gel to the scars daily or use silicone sheets as directed.
    • Visible improvements may take several weeks.

Scar Creams

  • Benefits: OTC scar creams containing ingredients like onion extract (e.g., Mederma) can help soften and lighten scars.

  • How to Use:

    • Apply the cream to the scars according to the product's instructions.

    • Use consistently for several months to see noticeable results.

Professional Treatments for Severe Scarring or Pitting

If home remedies and OTC options aren't providing the desired results, professional treatments can significantly improve the appearance of chickenpox scars and pitting.

Microdermabrasion

  • What It Does: This non-invasive treatment exfoliates the outer layer of skin, encouraging the growth of new, smoother skin.
  • Best For: Shallow scars and uneven skin texture.
  • Sessions: Multiple sessions may be needed for optimal results.

Chemical Peels

  • What It Does: Chemical peels use acids to remove damaged skin layers, promoting the growth of smoother, scar-free skin.
  • Best For: Mild to moderate scars.
  • Caution: Requires downtime for healing; follow post-treatment care instructions.

Laser Resurfacing

  • What It Does: Lasers target scarred skin layers to stimulate collagen production and encourage skin regeneration.
  • Best For: Deeper scars and severe pitting.
  • Sessions: Several treatments may be required.

Dermal Fillers

  • What It Does: Fillers like hyaluronic acid are injected into pitted scars to plump the skin and reduce their appearance.
  • Best For: Deep pitted scars.
  • Longevity: Results are temporary, lasting 6–12 months.

Microneedling

  • What It Does: Tiny needles create micro-injuries in the skin, stimulating collagen production and improving texture.
  • Best For: Scars and pitting of varying severity.
  • Sessions: Multiple treatments are typically needed. You can purchase a kit on Amazon or select professional services.