Chickenpox is a common childhood illness caused by the varicella-zoster virus. While the illness itself is usually mild, it can leave unsightly scars on the skin. In addition, Chickenpox is very contagious and can spread from one person to another. Children and those not vaccinated for a vaccine are more likely to get this disease.
Initially, small red spots may appear on the chest, spread all over the body, and appear on the face. Then they will turn into vesicles filled with water. It can also cause significant itching, making you unable to resist the urge to scratch. If left untreated, bursting blisters can make the skin create too little collagen in this area, which will cause a permanent scar.
If you’re looking for natural remedies to eliminate chicken pox scars, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we will explore 16 effective natural remedies that can help fade chicken pox scars and restore the beauty of your skin.
Causes of Chicken Pox Scars Scars
Here are some of the factors that can contribute to the formation of chickenpox scars:
1. Scratching
One of the main causes of chickenpox scars is scratching the blisters. When you scratch a chickenpox blister, you increase the likelihood of infection and delay the healing process, which can result in scarring. It’s important to avoid scratching chickenpox blisters, even though they may be very itchy.
2. Severity of Infection
The severity of the chickenpox infection can also impact the likelihood of scarring. If you have a severe case of chickenpox with many blisters, you may be more likely to develop scars.
3. Age
Age can also play a role in the development of chickenpox scars. Children are more likely to develop scars than adults, as their skin is more delicate and prone to damage.
4. Genetics
Finally, genetics may also contribute to the formation of chickenpox scars. Some people are more prone to scarring than others, regardless of how they treat their chickenpox blisters.
10 Natural Diy Home Remedies For Chicken Pox Scars
1. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is a versatile plant with numerous healing properties. It contains vitamins, minerals, and enzymes that nourish the skin and promote regeneration. Aloe vera also has anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce redness and swelling associated with scars.
- Extract the gel from a fresh aloe vera leaf.
- Apply the gel directly to the chicken pox scars.
- Massage the gel into the skin in gentle circular motions.
- Leave it on for 30 minutes to allow absorption.
- Rinse off with lukewarm water.
- Repeat this process daily for the best results.
2. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is rich in healthy fats and antioxidants that can nourish the skin and promote its healing. It has moisturizing properties that can help soften the appearance of chicken pox scars. Coconut oil also contains lauric acid, which has antimicrobial properties that can protect the skin from infections.
- Take a small amount of coconut oil in your palm.
- Gently massage the oil onto the chicken pox scars.
- Continue massaging for a few minutes to improve blood circulation.
- Leave it on for at least 1 hour or overnight.
- Rinse off with lukewarm water.
- Repeat this process twice a day for noticeable results.
3. Lemon Juice
Lemon juice contains natural bleaching properties that can lighten dark spots and scars, including chicken pox scars. It is rich in vitamin C, which promotes collagen production and helps improve skin texture.
- Squeeze fresh lemon juice into a bowl.
- Dip a cotton ball into the lemon juice.
- Gently apply the lemon juice directly to the chicken pox scars.
- Leave it on for 10 minutes.
- Rinse off with water.
- Apply a moisturizer to prevent dryness.
- Repeat this process every other day for the best results.
4. Honey
Honey is a natural humectant that can help moisturize the skin and promote skin cell regeneration. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that reduce redness and swelling associated with chicken pox scars.
- Take a small amount of honey on your fingertips.
- Apply the honey directly to the chicken pox scars.
- Gently massage the honey into the skin.
- Leave it on for 20 minutes.
- Rinse off with lukewarm water.
- Repeat this process daily for noticeable results.
5. Vitamin E Oil
Vitamin E oil is widely recognized for its ability to improve the appearance of scars. It is a powerful antioxidant that can help fade chicken pox scars and promote healthy skin. Vitamin E oil also moisturizes the skin and improves its elasticity.
- Pierce a vitamin E capsule and squeeze out the oil.
- Gently massage the vitamin E oil onto the chicken pox scars.
- Continue massaging for a few minutes to improve absorption.
- Leave it on overnight.
- Rinse off in the morning.
- Repeat this process daily for best results.
6. Cocoa Butter
Cocoa butter is a popular natural remedy for scars and stretch marks. It is rich in fatty acids and antioxidants that can deeply moisturize the skin and improve its elasticity. Cocoa butter also helps fade the appearance of chicken pox scars.
- Take a small amount of cocoa butter in your palm.
- Gently massage the cocoa butter onto the chicken pox scars.
- Continue massaging until the butter is fully absorbed.
- Leave it on for a few hours or overnight.
- Rinse off with lukewarm water.
- Repeat this process twice a day for noticeable results.
7. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is well-known for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It can help reduce the risk of infection in chicken pox scars and promote faster healing. Tea tree oil also helps reduce redness and inflammation associated with scars.
- Mix a few drops of tea tree oil with carrier oil like coconut or olive oil.
- Apply the mixture to the chicken pox scars.
- Gently massage the oil into the skin.
- Leave it on for 30 minutes.
- Rinse off with water.
- Repeat this process twice a day for best results.
8. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is a natural astringent that can help exfoliate the skin and fade scars. It contains alpha hydroxy acids that can remove dead skin cells and promote skin regeneration.
- Dilute apple cider vinegar with an equal amount of water.
- Apply the diluted apple cider vinegar to the chicken pox scars using a cotton ball.
- Leave it on for 10-15 minutes.
- Rinse off with water.
- Apply a moisturizer to prevent dryness.
- Repeat this process every other day for the best results.
9. Onion Extract
Onion extract contains compounds that can inhibit collagen production, leading to smoother and less visible scars. Over-the-counter creams and gels are available that contain onion extract, which can be applied directly to chicken pox scars.
- Follow the instructions provided with the onion extract cream or gel.
- Apply a thin layer of the cream or gel to the chicken pox scars.
- Gently massage the product into the skin.
- Leave it on for the recommended duration.
- Rinse off or wipe away any excess product.
- Repeat this process as directed on the product packaging for best results.
10. Turmeric
Turmeric is a powerful spice with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It can help reduce the appearance of scars and even out the skin tone. Turmeric also promotes collagen production and improves the overall health of the skin.
- Mix turmeric powder with water or lemon juice to create a paste.
- Apply the paste to the chicken pox scars.
- Leave it on for 15-20 minutes.
- Rinse off with water.
- Apply a moisturizer to prevent dryness.
- Repeat this process every other day for the best results.
11. Baking Soda
Baking soda is a gentle exfoliant that can help remove dead skin cells and promote skin regeneration. It can be used as a natural scrub to fade chicken pox scars.
- Mix baking soda with water to create a paste.
- Gently massage the paste onto the chicken pox scars.
- Continue massaging for a few minutes.
- Rinse off with water.
- Apply a moisturizer to prevent dryness.
- Repeat this process twice a week for noticeable results.
12. Olive Oil
Olive oil is rich in vitamins and antioxidants that can nourish the skin and improve its appearance. It can help soften the texture of chicken pox scars and make them less noticeable.
- Take a small amount of olive oil in your palm.
- Gently massage the olive oil onto the chicken pox scars.
- Continue massaging for a few minutes to improve absorption.
- Leave it on for a few hours or overnight.
- Rinse off with lukewarm water.
- Repeat this process twice a day for noticeable results.
13. Cucumber
Cucumber has a soothing and cooling effect on the skin. It can help reduce inflammation and fade scars. Cucumber also contains vitamins and minerals that nourish the skin and promote its healing.
- Slice a fresh cucumber into thin slices.
- Place the cucumber slices directly onto the chicken pox scars.
- Leave them on for 15-20 minutes.
- Remove the cucumber slices and discard them.
- Rinse off with water.
- Repeat this process daily for noticeable results.
14. Sandalwood Powder
Sandalwood powder has been used for centuries to improve skin health and fade scars. It has cooling properties that can soothe the skin and promote its healing. Sandalwood powder also has a natural fragrance that can enhance the overall experience.
- Mix sandalwood powder with rose water or milk to create a paste.
- Apply the paste to the chicken pox scars.
- Leave it on for 30 minutes.
- Rinse off with water.
- Apply a moisturizer to prevent dryness.
- Repeat this process every other day for the best results.
15. Calamine Lotion
Calamine lotion is a well-known remedy for itching and inflammation caused by chicken pox. It can also help reduce the appearance of scars. Calamine lotion contains zinc oxide, which has soothing properties and can promote skin healing.
- Shake the calamine lotion bottle to mix the ingredients.
- Apply the calamine lotion directly to the chicken pox scars.
- Leave it on for a few hours.
- Rinse off with water.
- Apply a moisturizer to prevent dryness.
- Repeat this process as needed for relief from itching and scar reduction.
16. Rosehip Seed Oil
Rosehip seed oil is rich in essential fatty acids and vitamins that can improve the texture and color of chicken pox scars. It has regenerative properties that can promote skin cell turnover and reduce the visibility of scars.
- Take a few drops of rosehip seed oil on your fingertips.
- Gently massage the oil onto the chicken pox scars.
- Continue massaging until the oil is fully absorbed.
- Leave it on overnight.
- Rinse off in the morning.
- Repeat this process daily for the best results.
Common Questions:
1. Will every person who gets chickenpox develop scars?
No, not every person who gets chickenpox will develop scars. The likelihood of scarring depends on the severity of the infection and how well it is treated.
2. How long does it take for chickenpox scars to fade?
Chickenpox scars can take several months or even years to fade. However, with proper treatment and care, they can become less noticeable over time.
3. Can chickenpox scars be completely removed?
While it may not be possible to remove chickenpox scars completely, they can be significantly reduced with specialized treatments.
4. Can adults get chickenpox scars?
Yes, adults can get chickenpox scars if they develop a severe infection or do not properly care for the blisters.
5. Can I do anything to speed up the healing process and prevent scarring?
To speed up the healing process and prevent scarring, keep the skin clean and dry, apply cool, wet compresses to the blisters, and avoid scratching.
6. Are natural remedies safe for all skin types?
Natural remedies are generally safe for most skin types. However, it’s recommended to perform a patch test before applying any remedy to a larger area. If you experience any adverse reactions or allergies, discontinue use and consult a dermatologist.