Chickenpox and skin care: how to protect the skin from scarring

Chickenpox is an acute, highly contagious viral infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus. Although it mostly affects children, adults can also get it – and in adults it is often more severe, lasts longer and carries a higher risk of complications. One of the most common long-term consequences of chickenpox is skin scarring, which can last a lifetime, especially if the skin was not properly cared for.

Scars are not only a cosmetic problem – unevenness or pigmented spots left on the face, chest or back often cause emotional discomfort, especially as children grow up or for adults whose appearance matters at work. Fortunately, most scars can be avoided if the right skin care is chosen from the first days of the illness.

WHY DOES CHICKENPOX LEAVE SCARS?

Chickenpox scars most often form due to damaged or poorly healing blisters. Each chickenpox spot is a small inflamed skin lesion that turns into a fluid-filled blister and later crusts over. If the scab falls off on its own without damaging the deeper layers of the skin, the skin usually heals without visible marks. However, picking at the blisters damages the deeper skin layers, which prevents the skin from healing completely – this is how atrophic scars form.

Another cause is secondary bacterial infection, which occurs when dirt gets into an open blister and it begins to fester. In this case the risk of scarring increases many times over, especially if the infection goes deeper. The risk factors are even higher if the skin constantly rubs against clothing, if immunity is weakened and if healing is slow. Rashes on the face, neck and back need special attention, as these areas are more sensitive and more prone to scarring.

STEP ONE: REDUCE ITCHING

Itching is one of the main symptoms of chickenpox and the main reason why scars form at all. When the skin itches, it is very hard to resist scratching, especially for young children. Even gentle picking at blisters can break the protective scab and cause micro-injuries that eventually turn into permanent skin changes.

So the first step in preventing scars is effective itch relief. There are many ways to do this:

• Calamine lotion – one of the oldest but still most effective remedies. It dries, cools and soothes the skin and reduces itching.
• Oatmeal baths – oats contain natural anti-inflammatory substances (beta-glucans) that soothe the skin and reduce stinging and itching. Such baths can be taken once a day, especially in the evening.
• Cool compresses – short-lived but effective. They lower skin temperature and nerve sensitivity.
• Gels with aloe vera or panthenol – these ingredients moisturise and soothe irritated skin and help the surface layers of the skin recover faster.

For children it is very important to keep nails short and, if necessary, use mittens or light socks at night so they do not damage their skin while sleeping.

GENTLE HYGIENE – DON'T OVERDO IT

Many people are afraid to wash their skin during the illness, believing that water or shampoo can do harm. However, gentle and regular hygiene is essential, as it helps prevent infections, removes sweat and sebum residue, lets the skin breathe and supports natural healing.

The key hygiene principles:

• Use gentle, dermatologically tested cleansers without fragrance, alcohol or strong foaming agents. Baby cleansers or natural emollients are suitable.
• Avoid vigorous rubbing – pat the skin dry gently with a towel, never rub or "scrub", even when scabs have formed.
• If you take a bath, it should be lukewarm, without fragrances or strong soaps. It is important not to over-soak the blisters, especially when they have just opened – this can slow scab formation.

MOISTURISING THE SKIN – NOT ONLY AFTER BUT ALSO DURING THE ILLNESS

People often mistakenly believe that during the illness the skin should be dried out as much as possible so that the blisters dry faster. But overly dry skin becomes vulnerable and prone to cracking, stinging and infections. That is why moisturising is important not only after the illness but also during it – especially when scabs are forming.

Recommended moisturisers:

• Pharmacy emollients with ceramides, aloe vera, bisabolol or panthenol – these ingredients strengthen the skin barrier and soothe inflammation.
• Zinc-based ointments – slightly drying, but they also protect against bacteria and help the skin regenerate.
• Natural oils – shea butter or coconut oil can be used on sensitive skin after the illness, once the scabs have fallen off. They nourish, prevent dryness and support healing.

Apply moisturisers to clean, slightly damp skin and, if possible, several times a day, especially after washing.

SCABS – DON'T TOUCH!

Picking off scabs is one of the most common reasons for deep, noticeable scars. Although a scab looks unsightly and is often tempting to remove, it performs a very important function – it protects the healing process underneath. If it is removed too early, cell renewal is disrupted and the deeper layers are left unprotected.

How to treat scabs properly:

• Let them fall off naturally, without any pressure or scrubbing
• If a scab rubs against clothing, use soft gauze or a special plaster to reduce friction
• Avoid sun exposure – especially on the face, as newly formed skin very quickly develops hyperpigmentation
• If a scab is damaged, clean it immediately and apply an antiseptic cream

SKIN CARE AFTER CHICKENPOX – PREVENTING SCARS

When the scabs fall off, the skin looks healed, but in fact its surface is still very sensitive and regeneration continues for several weeks or even months. That is why scar prevention should continue after the illness.

Recommended products:

• Silicone gels or patches – clinically proven products that help scar tissue form more smoothly. They are used for several weeks in a row.
• Vitamin E (tocopherol) – improves skin elasticity and regeneration, but must be in a suitable concentration so as not to irritate the skin.
• Mild acid products (e.g. with PHA or azelaic acid) – should only be used once the skin has fully recovered, to even out colour and texture.
• High-protection SPF (30–50) – an essential step, as ultraviolet rays can cause pigmentation or make scars more visible.

WHEN TO SEE A DOCTOR OR DERMATOLOGIST

If:

• Blisters fester, smell unpleasant or grow larger – this may be a bacterial infection
• The skin does not recover within 3–4 weeks and remains red, raised or itchy
• Hard, raised, painful or dark scars form (possible keloids)
• The scars cause emotional discomfort – especially if they are on the face or another visible area

A dermatologist can prescribe special products or procedures (e.g. chemical peels, laser or even injections) to help reduce scars.

Proper skin care during and after chickenpox is not only a way to reduce unpleasant sensations but also a real chance to protect the skin from lifelong scars. It requires attention, gentleness and consistency – but the results are long-lasting.

By caring for the skin, we also care for a person's well-being, self-confidence and cosmetic comfort. Let this care begin on the first day of the illness – that way we protect not only the skin but also the person's experience of this difficult condition.

SOURCES

1. "Chickenpox (Varicella) – Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)"
2. "Skin Care Tips During and After Chickenpox – American Academy of Dermatology"
3. "Prevention of Chickenpox Scarring – Cleveland Clinic"
4. "Pediatric Dermatology: Chickenpox and Skin Healing – Mayo Clinic"
5. "Topical Agents in Wound Healing – Journal of Dermatological Treatment"

# chickenpox # skin care