Fast Facts on Covering Chicken Pox Scars

CLICK HERE to learn more about Dermaflage Topical Filler for Chicken Pox Scars

If it seems like chicken pox — and chicken pox scars — are becoming a thing of the past, you’re not wrong. Like telephone booths and black-and-white TV, today’s kids may never see chicken pox firsthand. Once considered an inconvenient and unavoidable rite-of-passage, chicken pox has become a rarity in the United States thanks to the high rates of vaccination. But, if you grew up before the vaccine was available, or your parents chose to skip it, chances are you have a chicken pox scar or two as a permanent reminder of the experience. If you’ve had enough with your chicken pox scars, here’s a cheat sheet on the facts and some of the top dermatologist-recommended options for treating them:

FAST FACTS ON CHICKEN POX SCARS

• The element of time. The challenge of chicken pox scars isn’t typically their size, it’s the fact that these pitted scars  have probably been there since you were a child. Because the best time to treat a scar is immediately after it heals, it’s harder to get a great result after many years have passed.

• Prevention is the best treatment. If your child does get chicken pox, you can reduce their chance of permanent scars by helping them heal properly and keeping bacteria out. That means no scratching and keep the skin moisturized at all times. According to  this article, some common home remedies like aloe vera and vitamin E may help scars heal faster and diminish discolouration.

• Makeup Method. Chicken pox scars may sometimes be darker than or noticeably lighter than the rest of your skin. The simplest way to help camouflage the colour is to use  full-coverage concealer and foundation  however, traditional makeup won’t do anything to even out or fill the sunken area.

• DIY Scar Fading Treatments. For darkened scars, over-the-counter fading treatments such as exfoliating peels and high-potency Vitamin C or licorice root extract may result in gradual lightening over time. Again, fading products will not smooth out the pockmark to even it with the surrounding skin.

Top Professional Treatments for Chicken Pox Scars

According to the American Society of Dermatologic Surgery, following are some of the most common scar treatments:

• Microneedling uses a roller covered in tiny needles to penetrate the damaged skin to promote the production of new collagen, which can help fill in or raise an indented scar.
• Microdermabrasion and Chemical Peels remove the scarred skin so that the normal skin underneath can show through. This may improve the look of pitted skin but will not completely smooth out the indented areas.
• Dermal Fillers may contain natural or synthetic ingredients and temporarily fill in pockmarks to make them level with the surrounding skin.
• Light Therapy or Photo Facials use laser light to diminish the pigment in darkened scars and promote the production of new collagen in deep layers of skin to help smooth out depressions.
• Laser Treatments utilize light energy to stimulate the healing of damaged skin, including fading discolouration and smoothing uneven areas.
• Dermal Punch, or Punch Excision surgically removes the chicken pox scar with a special device. The skin left around the “punched” area is stitched back together for a smoother surface.

Each in-office method involves cost, downtime, and potentially some pain, so be sure to consult with your dermatologist or other medical professional to find the right procedure for you. Read more about scar treatment options in our Scar Info Center.

HOW TO PUT CHICKEN POX SCARS UNDER COVER

Much like a dermal filler — but without the needle — Dermaflage uses liquid silicone to fill-and-conceal and temporarily smooth out indented scars like those left by chicken pox, injuries or acne. Dermaflage mimics the look and feel of real skin with a translucent formula that lets your skin tone show through and an inventive texturizing pad used as the final step before the formula sets. In just minutes, your chicken pox scar is fully camouflaged and stays that way for up to 36 hours without the worry of makeup meltdown or touch-ups. Click here to learn more about what makes Dermaflage different.

If you’ve been living with chicken pox scars since childhood, you’re probably hoping to look like the “after” pic shown above! Whether you decide to try professional treatments or an at-home scar solution like Dermaflage Perfecting Filler, it’s time to put your best face forward.

Leave us a comment to share your experience with covering a chicken pox scar or other indented scar.