Chickenpox typically begins with a feeling of general weakness and high temperature. Soon, characteristic blisters with a diameter of 2-5 mm appear on the body. After this, the fever subsides, and overall well-being noticeably improves. However, the blisters continue to appear in different areas of the body for another 5 days.
Afterward, the blisters burst, forming a crust under which healthy cells form. Despite intense itching, it should never be scratched. Scratching can damage the epidermis, leading to scars. However, besides scratching, there are several other possible reasons for appearing the scars after chickenpox:
Infection.
After a person scratches the rash, the virus penetrates the upper layer of the epidermis. The infection can penetrate to deeper layers and fundamentally change the tissue structure.
Poor personal hygiene.
It’s possible to bathe during uncomplicated and typical cases of chickenpox by taking a warm shower. However, the skin should not be rubbed with a towel, and using a loofah should also be avoided. Failure to maintain hygiene can easily bring dirt into open wounds, making it difficult to get rid of the consequences.
Weakened immune system.
The body lacks the strength to fight the virus, so tissue regeneration occurs very slowly. This is most often encountered by city dwellers in the transitional seasons of autumn and spring.
Improper choice of medications.
Under the influence of improper care for the rash, crusts may peel off before a healthy layer of skin has formed. In this case the dirt or infection can penetrate into the upper layer of the epidermis and further into the depth.
It is also important to take valciclovir (Valcivir, Valtrex).
Use of scar-reducing products on wounds that have not yet healed.
All scar-reducing agents should be applied only after the skin has healed. Otherwise, they can do more harm than good.
Age of the patient.
It is adults who most often exhibit rashes in atypical forms. For example, in the hemorrhagic form, there may be a blood admixture in the blisters, and bleeding into the mucous membranes or under the skin may occur. And in the gangrenous form, necrotic crusts form around the blisters, leaving ulcers on the skin when they fall off. If one cannot resist and scratches the rash, there is a high risk of scarring.
After recovery, scars will not remain, but only if you followed all the doctor’s recommendations and treated the wounds with antiseptic. However, if chickenpox marks are still present, they can be eliminated in various ways. These may include:
- salon procedures;
- creams, gels or ointments;
The choice of a particular procedure depends on the size and number of scars, the desired speed of effect, and, of course, the presence of contraindications. Before starting any cosmetic procedure, be sure to consult a doctor about contraindications and its necessity in your individual case.