Chicken Pox Scars

Everyone knows not to scratch chicken pox because it will cause scarring. To avoid chicken pox scars it is important to allow the pox to heal without scratching and picking at the scabs. Some children and adults will avoid scratching during the day, but may scratch in their sleep. Fair-haired people may scar more easily than dark haired people with darker skin. Treating the scars when they are new will increase the chances of them fading. There are ways to prevent chicken pox scars.

It Begins With Preventing

A healthy diet will help the skin be able to recover faster and more efficiently. Keeping the skin and hands clean will prevent the pox from becoming infected, which could lead to scaring. Bedding should also be kept clean to reduce the risk of infection. A fever can cause dehydration, which can lead to dry itchy skin. So it will be important to stay hydrated.

3 Ways To Prevent Scarring

The best way to prevent chicken pox scars is to avoid itching the pox and not to pick at the scabs. Avoiding the pox from becoming infected will also help to prevent scaring. To relieve the itching the following may be helpful:

Use calamine lotion
Lukewarm baths with oatmeal or baking soda
Avoid being hot and sweating

In some cases, over-the-counter and prescription antihistamines are used to manage severe itching. Anti-viral drugs can be helpful to reduce the number of pox and decreases the length of time that it takes for the chicken pox to heal. Taking steps to avoid scratching will help prevent scarring.

How To Avoid Scratching

Making a conscious effort not to scratch and following the suggestions to relieve itching will reduce the risk of scarring. Putting gloves or mittens on children will help them not to scratch. Socks can even be used. Nails should be cut short, not only to prevent the nails from scratching off scabs, but also to reduce the risk of infection because dirt and bacteria, like a MRSA infection can collect under the nails.

Sometimes no matter how hard you try to not to itch, once the chicken pox virus runs its course, there are scars left behind. Treating scars immediately will help them to be less noticeable.

Now For Treatment!

Once the chicken pox scabs are gone and the scars remain, there are some things that you can do to treat the scars. Traditional Treatments include vitamin E oil or Aloe Vera gel applied with a gentle, circular massaging motion, which increases circulation to the area. Children’s scars will fade and even disappear in time if they are small and not very deep more easily than scars on adult skin. Coconut water is helpful with scars, but it takes time. Laser surgery, over-the-counter treatments, and prescription creams can also be used to treat scarring.

The best way to avoid scarring is to have a strong immune system and avoid getting chicken pox. When there is a chicken pox infection, resisting the urge to scratch during healing and treating any scars immediately is very important to reduce the risk of chicken pox scars.

History of Chicken Pox

Learn about the History of Chicken Pox.