Do Chicken Pox Scars Fade

Scars – formation, types of scars & treatment

Scars occur after injuries to the skin. While many scars are barely noticeable, scars in visible areas or painful or immobile scars can be very distressing. Proper treatment helps to make troublesome scars more elastic and reduce their conspicuousness.

Content

Causes and formation of scars
Overview of scar types
Home remedies for the treatment of scars
Treat and care for fresh scars
Treat inactive old scars
Frequently asked questions

Causes and formation of scars

Scars are formed after injuries as a replacement tissue when the skin can no longer regenerate completely. This is always the case when deeper layers of the skin are injured, but superficial wounds with impaired wound healing can also form a scar. Scars consist of connective tissue, so unlike normal skin they lack typical features such as hair, sweat glands, vessels and pigment cells. It can take up to two years for a scar to fully mature. During this time, it is continuously remodeled and adapted to the requirements of the respective body region by the organization of the connective tissue fibers (collagens). Although the stability of the scar increases over time, the finished scar acquires only about 80% of the resistance of normal skin and is at the same time less elastic. In the optimal case, a relatively inconspicuous scar is formed, which is hardly disturbing. However, in the case of pathological types of scars or poor wound healing, significant discomfort and a cosmetically poor scar appearance can occur, which is often very distressing for those affected. Good scar treatment can help during the remodeling process to bring about the best possible result.

Overview of scar types

In general, a distinction is made between fresh scars, which are still in the process of remodeling and can be positively influenced, and older scars, in which this remodeling has already been completed. In addition, further types of scars are distinguished according to the scar pattern:

Complaint-free scars: They heal quickly and without complications, lie level with the skin and are soft and movable. Only in the early phase, slight redness and itching may occur.
Active scars: Chronic irritation of the scar tissue causes the scar to remain red longer and may hurt.
Hypertrophic scars: These are caused by an overproduction of connective tissue, especially in regions of increased stress, such as over joints. They are bulging, hard and not very elastic or displaceable. Wound healing is often delayed and there is redness, itching or pain. They are limited to the wound area and may recede as they progress.
Keloid scars: This is also a connective tissue proliferation with a bulging, fixed scar as well as redness, itching, numbness or pain. However, they exceed the wound margin and typically do not regress. Keloids are more common in those with a familial predisposition and darker skin color.
Atrophic scars: Due to decreased formation of connective tissue, these scars are below the level of the skin and have delayed healing. They are tight and contracted, cannot be moved, and are prone to itching and pain. They are poorly supplied with blood and thus tend to be pale. Often, these scars form as dimpled acne scars on the face, for example, as a result of pimples or after chicken pox.
Sclerotic scars: They are hard, inelastic and stuck together with the surrounding tissue. They can continue to shrink as they progress and very often cause discomfort. Especially in the area of joints, these scars can significantly limit mobility.

Home remedies for the treatment of scars

After the wound has healed superficially and the scab has come off, you can use some home remedies to treat the fresh scar, keep it soft and support the further healing process. Among others, St. John’s wort oil, coconut oil, honey or calendula ointment have proven effective for treating scars. -> For more information see Scar treatment

Treat and care for fresh scars

The following applies to the treatment of scars: the earlier you start, the better the subsequent scar appearance. Even good wound treatment can improve the scar appearance and help prevent troublesome scars. Even afterwards, you can support scar maturation throughout the remodeling process by taking simple measures:

Massage can loosen hardened scar tissue, smooth the scar and help it fade faster.
Gel and ointment can care for scars, support remodeling or promote lightening, depending on their composition.
Covering protects the sensitive scar skin from sunlight and moisture loss.

Special measures are also used for particular types of scars, e.g. silicone plasters or tapes reduce bulging scars. Peelings can help to smooth sunken scars. You can find further information under Scar treatment.

Treat inactive old scars

If you suffer from a stressful old scar where the remodeling process is already complete and simple measures no longer have any effect, it may make sense to remove the scar completely or reduce it by other means. In addition to surgical scar removal, many other options are available nowadays, such as laser treatment of the scars, which can smooth and lighten them. -> For more information see Scar treatment

Frequently asked questions

How long do scars stay red?

For a normal scar, the redness should begin to fade within 6 weeks. However, it can take several months for the remodeling processes of the scar to be completed and the redness to completely disappear.

Hello everyone, briefly about my situation: 4 year relationship on the rocks –> 2/3 of my circle of friends broke up (all were “my friends”, so brought into the relationship by me, but then preferred to go out alone with my ex (disco etc) and completely blanked me out (this went on for 4 weeks) –> shared apartment is dissolved –> Am a student and everything happened in the Prüfunszeitraum –> 1 week after I broke up (she left me hanging quite a bit) I got the chickenpox –> two weeks sick, not really cured, still exams SO and now I have 3 scars on my face (2 on my forehead and one on my cheek) The one on my cheek I don’t even find bad, but the one on my forehead (one is about half a cm in diameter) is bad. Most people tell me that you don’t notice it or that it’s not noticeable. Unfortunately, however, my self-confidence is in the basement, was for kanpp 3 months no longer away, since I had to do in the semester incredibly much and a certain (even if purely on the external erscheinungsbild limited) “confirmation” would simply do well. I hope you can understand that somewhere. I used to have someone (you know) and well, since then I haven’t had the chance to “tear” anything up. My real question: I had chicken pox at 24, I also know that the scars (are small dents, so atrophic scars under the skin level) can never heal 100%. At the moment I smear a scar cream on it, whether’s brings what let’s see. Does anyone have experience, to what extent the scars still grow together (at the moment they are thinner than the surrounding skin) Do they still fade? How long can this take? And – even if I am exaggerating, but I would like to have at least the alternative: is a surgical “improvement” possible? Does anyone have experience? Am grateful for any post that helps me! VG bondig PS: Yes, I’m a bit vain for a man, though I think a lot is also due to my current situation – hope you can understand….

5 Responses

So if I were you I would try powder. Take something with your skin color and try to cover it as good as possible. Will be fine :)! Hi, thanks for the replies. I have to add that the chickenpox was about 4 weeks ago now. So the first exam after being sick for two weeks was on 05.06.’12 It’s just annoying. I know I should actually wait a few more moons before I start worrying, it’s just that compared to before, it’s a worsening, and under the circumstances and that just stings even more. The reason why I’m starting the surgery now is that the scars are still relatively “fresh” and I imagine that they would be more treatable now than in 1, 2 or 5 years (when I hopefully found the right one ;-)). Only NOW I’m back on the “market” and the competition is there – and I see the scars as a competitive disadvantage (sure – it’s very superficial, but you decide within a few seconds based on the appearance, whether the other fits or not – that makes me think …). Yes, there is the possibility to have the scars lasered. But first of all it is expensive, secondly not necessarily promising and thirdly…what for? The scars will still fade, become lighter. I still have marks all over my body from the chicken pox I had when I was 14. Most of them I see only because I know where they are 😉 Duration, is different and depends on your wound healing in the end. For me, with small scars, like the chicken pox scars back then, it takes about 6 months. With my large knee scar, it will take a year. After my knee surgery, I was given “BiOil”, a Purcellin oil that is supposed to promote the fading of scars. Maybe it’s just my imagination and belief, but for me, since I started using it, the fading is faster. I think that they still fade, I had 2 years ago times burns 2nd degree. On one leg, the scar is no longer visible, on the foot it is now and then only reddened, on the other leg you can still see, but also less and less, but that was also a huge wound. I had chicken pox as a child (and yes I scratched myself) but I can’t find any scars from it (I had some) so I assume they are pretty badly blistered and I don’t see them right away. My daughter also had a clearly visible chicken pox scar on her forehead. It is so faded today that you can only see it if you know exactly where the spot is. So yes – they do fade. How long it takes varies. For the life of me, I can’t remember how long it took for my daughter (in hindsight, I think it was pretty quick). I would not consider surgical removal for the time being; in my opinion, it would be out of proportion to the remaining scar, which would later be much lighter and barely visible.

What do you want to know?

To remove scars, sometimes simple home remedies are enough. In this article we will explain which home remedies can help to make them less visible and how scars are formed. The links marked with a symbol or green underlining are affiliate links. If a purchase is made through them, we receive a commission – without additional costs for you! More info.

These home remedies can be used for a scar

A scar cannot be removed, but remedies can help make it less visible. Doctors have different methods for treating scars and, in addition, there are over-the-counter remedies such as creams, sprays or ointments. But home remedies can also help.

Home remedies can only make scar tissue more supple and prevent excessive new tissue formation. It is best to start treatment when the scar is still fresh. The skin is patching itself back together, so this is the best time to actively intervene.
Apply scar cream to the scar often, this will help keep the skin moist and flexible. Olive oil or calendula ointment are suitable for this purpose. Creams with aloe vera are also suitable for this, as they provide a lot of moisture.
Onion juice is anti-inflammatory and reduces the formation of fibroblasts. These form in the course of wound healing. This prevents a large and bulging scar. Use a compress with onion juice or cut an onion fresh and place it on the scar.
Do not wear tight or scratchy clothing. The pressure and friction will irritate the scar and worsen healing. Also, do not expose the scar to heat or cold too much, this will have the same effect.
If you massage the scar, then the blood circulation will promote the healing of the wound. Do this several times a day for about five minutes.
Avoid the sun for the time being. Scar tissue has no cells that produce pigments. While the surrounding skin turns brown, the scar remains white. In addition, there is the possibility of UV damage. Avoid direct sun exposure and solarium visits for at least six months.
In conclusion, a healthy lifestyle also helps scar healing. While a balanced diet rich in vitamins supports healing, smoking, for example, damages the process.
Tea tree oil has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects. This can help as well as zinc ointment. Due to the high content of vitamin A, it supports tissue regeneration.
If you like to put on a mask, then you should reach for olive oil. Take one tablespoon of plain yogurt, two teaspoons of olive oil and one teaspoon of honey. When applied, the mixture can promote wound healing.

Removing scars – this is how they are formed

Reasons for the formation of scars can be many. Roughly speaking, it is such a profound injury to the skin that the body cannot repair properly. The result is scar tissue, which is formed when the skin grows together.

If the skin is destroyed down to the second layer of skin, then a scar is formed. This layer of skin is also called dermis. The dermis, like the top layer of skin, cannot heal properly with new skin cells.
The result is scar tissue, which consists largely of collagen fibers. These do not form hair or sebaceous or sweat glands. Scarred tissue can therefore not sweat.
Scars are caused by injuries, for example cuts or burns. They can also be the result of disease or form from pimples and pox. Surgical scars are also included.

Scars can also be removed with home remedies. imago images / Medicimage

Avoid or reduce chickenpox scars

If your child suffers from a chickenpox rash, it can become infected. Often, the rash itches and your child scratches a lot as a result. It is not uncommon for sores to form afterwards. These continue to itch, which is why your child continues to scratch. Although only small sores form, these can also scar. Often they will be visible for the rest of the child’s life if you do not do anything about them.

You will find it difficult to stop the itching. Chickenpox can also become infected for many reasons. However, make sure that your child does not scratch himself.
Since the child scratches himself especially during rest periods, you should put gloves over his fingers. Socks also serve their purpose for this purpose.
Talk to the doctor about the increased itching. He can prescribe you a scar cream. Apply this often and regularly. This will keep the skin moist and relaxed, which will prevent scarring as much as possible.

Avoid scratching your child if he or she has chickenpox. imago images / Panthermedia

Dealing with pimple scars

If you press or scratch a pimple, you may injure the skin very badly that it is damaged. Scarring then becomes possible. There are several ways you can cause the scars to become more invisible here.

A dermatologist can inject hyaluronic acid and collagen under the affected areas. This will even out the skin.
Apply fruit acid peels. This will remove upper layers of skin. The skin can renew itself faster and looks rosier. In addition, a peel of this type smooths the edges of scars.
You can also use healing clay masks, oil massages homeopathic ointments. They soften the pimple scars in a natural way.
If you suffer from severe pimple formation, tea tree oil will help. It soothes the skin, as in the case of chicken pox. Just a few drops are enough. Simply add it to your usual face cream in your hand and work it in.
Likewise, it helps to work wild rose oil into the skin. It contains antioxidants and vitamins. Plus, it smells good. Alternate it with lavender oil. This has a soothing effect when you need to itch. It also promotes wound healing.

If possible, do not squeeze pimples. imago images / McPHOTO

Video tip: Dry skin – these areas are particularly affected

Currently much sought

Do Chicken Pox Scars Fade.

Anna Hein

Do Chicken Pox Scars Fade