Chicken Pox is called varicella in medical terms, a highly contagious viral infection, and is characterized by itchy red bumps with mild fever, tiredness, and headaches.
Myth: There is a misconception that it is Mata or Devi in India and tradition not to go out of home for three weeks or visit a doctor and use medicines; hence chicken pox scars are common in India
Chickenpox scars appear as round, depressed marks on the face. They tend to be small, but they can raise a cosmetic concern when they occur in a prominent location such as the face. Chickenpox scar removal treatment may involve several options depending on the type and location of the scar.
The spread of chickenpox can be prevented by isolating affected individuals. Use of disinfectants such as sodium hypochlorite as the virus is susceptible and sensitive to desiccation, heat, and detergents.
The vaccine prevents chickenpox in 98% of people who receive the two recommended doses; first between 12 and 15 months of age and the booster between 4 and 6 years of age.
Use of sunscreen once the blisters heal.
We at Clear skin laser center can help you to minimize to erase the chickenpox scars. In chickenpox scar treatment each scar is different and needs to treated with different approach.
Few Over-the-counter (OTC) scar removal creams and topical ointments, exfoliant lotions, or creams may help to reduce the appearance or soften chickenpox scars; though they are not scientifically proven.
These medications are prescribed by a doctor to reduce the appearance of scars.
Chemical peeling is a simple process that contains glycolic acid, alpha hydroxy acid, salicylic acid, TCA cross, etc. These peels help in removing the outer layer of the scar and improving superficial scars.
Soft tissue fillers are injected directly into the depressed or sunken scars by using fillers such as Restylane or hyaluronic acid or fat; to reduce its appearance. Usually these treatments are temporary, lasting about six months.
Micro-needling using derma roller or stamping with tiny needles that stimulate the healing process leading to new collagen; this can raise a sunken scar back toward normal skin level.
Microdermabrasion is a treatment procedure in which the skin is treated with the help of a special device that smoothes out the skin and improves tissue regeneration. This procedure is used to treat chickenpox scars, acne scars, fine lines, and skin discoloration. This treatment helps brighten the skin tone and reveal healthy skin.
This process involves rotating electrical machines, which penetrate more deeply and can completely remove surface scars and significantly improve the look of chickenpox scars; done under local or general anesthesia. Dermabrasion, on the other hand, is a minimally invasive procedure for chickenpox scar treatment.
Punch elevation technique is considered to be better alternative than laser treatment for chickenpox scar as most of these scars are punch out or boxcar scars. A punch biopsy tool is used in this process to elevate the scar and later 15 to 20days after fractional laser is done to obtain best results.
Very small scars can be simply removed by punch-excision. This involves using a round surgical punch to remove the chickenpox scar and then close the defect by placing one or two small sutures.
This procedure is performed for very small chicken-pox scars. Here the scarred skin tissue is removed with the help of punch biopsy tool and filled with normal skin usually from behind the ear. This procedure helps to avoid even the minimal scarring after the treatment.
Laser Scar Removal is the best treatment available for any type of scars as it is simple, easy, tolerable, and out-patient procedure with minimum downtime allowing you to continue your routine activities and deliver quick results. It can reduce the appearance of old scars, improve sunken chickenpox scars, and lessen the colour of scars.
Fractional laser or energy based skin resurfacing devices treats microscopic columns of skin. It is a non-invasive treatment that uses a device to deliver a laser beam that targets a fraction of the skin at a time. These are called micro-thermal treatment zones (MTZs). Within each MTZ old epidermal pigmented cells are expelled and the neo-collagenosis happens in the dermis which evens out the depressions in the skin.
Fractional laser resurfacing technologies which are the most commonly used are: (1) Fractional Co2 laser (2) Fractional Erbium YAG Laser (3) Fractional Erbium Glass Laser (4) MNRF (Microneedling Radiofrequency) (5) Fractional RF Skin Resurfacing
Pico Laser (or picosecond laser) is a laser device that uses a very short pulse duration <1 nanosecond which predominantly causes photoacoustic damage. Pico laser works by creating a laser-induced optical breakdown or micro subsicion; which promotes collagen and elastin production.
It uses pneumatic energy to first break up the tight scar tissue underneath the skin which responds to microtrauma by stimulating elastin and collagen production; after which microdroplets of high molecular weight hyaluronic acid are delivered resulting in an improvement of the chicken pox scars.
We at Clear Skin Hair and Laser Centre are providing all types of treatments with various laser technologies in giving the best results for Chickenpox scars.
We proudly say that at present we are the first and only centre in India to provide the most advance, time-tested, USFDA approved laser treatment with different technologies for all types of scars under-one roof.
| DO | DON'T |
|---|---|
| Before | |
| Avoid UV exposure 7 to 15d days prior to your treatment. | Do not forget to use broad spectrum sun screen SPF30+ for 7 – 10 days prior to treatment, if u have unavoidable outdoor work. |
| Avoid chemical peels and exfoliating skin treatments, seven to ten days prior to laser treatment. | Do not hide the history of peri-oral or genital herpes simplex virus, as your physician may recommend prophylactic antiviral therapy. |
| After | |
| Use regular sunscreen (only 24 hours after treatment) for 4 wks to 6wks. | Do not exposure to sun or UV rays, so step out in sun after applying broad-spectrum sunscreen>30SPF. This is to reduce the risk of post-treatment hyper-pigmentation. |
| Apply a cold pack or ice cube to the area to reduce swelling | Do not rub, scratch or pick the area after receiving laser treatment as it requires time to heal so, be delicate. |
| Keep your skin clean and moisturized or aloe-vera gel, as it keeps the area | Do not let the skin feel dry or tight. Always keep it moisturized |
| moist and helps in healing by hydrating the skin. | |
| Do avoid makeup for at least 24 hours following the treatment. After 3 days light makeup may be applied to but it is safer to only start your full routine after all the scabs have healed. | Use any personal skin care products for 2wks after the procedure that cause burning or discomfort. |
| Take over-the-counter pain medication when needed | Don’t forget to continue medication prescribed by doctor |
