Infections like chickenpox often leave behind stubborn marks on the skin, particularly on the face, which can affect a person's overall appearance. The treatment for these lingering marks depends entirely on the type of scarring they have caused. While some individuals experience dark spots due to post-inflammatory pigmentation, others develop deep pits or depressed scars due to structural damage to the skin tissue. To address these skin concerns, Dr. Rashmi Sharma, Consultant Dermatologist at Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram, has shared essential insights on how to properly manage and remove chickenpox scars.
Managing dark spots and pigmentation marks
If chickenpox has left behind flat dark marks or pigmentation, they often tend to fade gradually on their own over the course of a few months. During this recovery phase, applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher is crucial, because exposure to sunlight can cause these spots to darken further and prolong the healing process. Dermatologists may recommend topical prescription creams or medications containing ingredients like azelaic acid, retinoids, or other targeted pigmentation-reducing agents depending on an individual's specific skin type and condition. In certain persistent cases, advanced laser treatments may also be performed to clear long-lasting pigmentation.
Treating deep pits and atrophic scars
However, when chickenpox leads to atrophic scars, meaning depressed pits or indentations that leave the skin's surface uneven, topical creams alone yield very little improvement. In such cases, depending on the depth and nature of the marks, procedures such as microneedling radiofrequency, fractional CO2 laser resurfacing, and other specialized scar revision techniques are often recommended. These clinical procedures stimulate natural collagen production within the skin and help restore a smoother texture. With appropriate treatment, the visibility of atrophic scars can be reduced significantly. In select cases, these methods can achieve an improvement of roughly 60 to 80 percent, though the actual results ultimately depend on the severity of the scarring, skin type, and individual response to treatment.
Important precautions and habits to avoid
It is also vital to avoid picking, scratching, or frequently touching the healing skin lesions and marks. Furthermore, individuals should steer clear of harsh home remedies such as applying direct lemon juice, abrasive physical scrubs, or undiluted chemical substances to the face. Such unverified treatments can cause severe skin irritation and make the underlying pigmentation or scarring much worse.
