Chicken pox scars? How derma rolling can help?

Chicken pox scars can be very disturbing particularly if it is found on the visible areas like the face, arms, and legs. There are a number of dermatologic procedures that can be used to treat scars left by varicella; this includes fractional CO₂ laser skin resurfacing, punch-excision procedures and derma rolling treatment. The kind of treatment depends on the size and location of the chicken pox scars.

Although, there is no health risk associated with the scars. Some people choose to have it removed especially if it is becoming a cosmetic concern.

What is chicken pox or varicella scars?

Chicken pox or varicella is an infection caused by a virus called varicella-zoster virus. It is common among children less than 15 years old, but it can also occur in older children and adults.

The classic symptoms of chicken pox includes itchy and uncomfortable rash. The rash can turn into a fluid-filled blisters and then eventually turn into a scab. It is commonly found on the face, back and chest and then spreads into the other parts of the body.

The infection may last for five to ten days and then resolve spontaneously.  However, it may leave a localized scar or chicken pox scars. The scars may appear as rounded indentations in the skin and they usually vary in size.

So you may probably wonder, is there a way to remove chicken pox scars without having to spend a huge amount of money?

How derma rolling can help reduce chicken pox scars?

Derma rolling or also known as micro needling therapy is one of the popular and effective treatments used to remove localized scars like chicken pox. Derma rolling therapy is an effective, safe, simple and minimally invasive technique. Decades ago, it was introduced initially as an option for skin rejuvenation.

Years after, it is now being tested for wide range of applications including:

·       Removal of post-traumatic burn scars, acne, acne scar, stretch marks, wrinkles, fine lines, crow’s feet and other skin marks.

·       Drug Delivery of topical medications

·       Hyperhidrosis

·       Treatment for mild rosacea, melasma, sun damage, and skin pigmentation.

·       Hair loss treatment and many more.

In fact, for the last ten years, there were many innovations made into this hand-held device. More so, this technique has been combined with other surgical procedure to provide better results. Impressively, it also works for people with dark skin type where the risk of having post-inflammatory hyper pigmentation is very high.

Unlike other dermatologic and cosmetic procedures, derma rolling therapy does not damage the epidermis. As of now, there are various kinds of derma rollers that differ in style, size and shapes. There are also separate kinds of derma rollers for specific areas of the body to provide deeper penetration for hard-to-reach areas. 

There is also a separate derma rollers for the eyes, and other sensitive areas of the skin. It can also be used in combination with other dermatologic and surgical procedures for varying indications.

How is derma rolling better than other treatment modality?

For smaller scars, punch excision technique can be used. The excision procedure involves punching a hole to remove the chicken pox scar and then closed it using one or two sutures. On the other hand, derma roller can remove chicken pox scars simply by using micro needles to induce controlled micro injury on the indented area of the scar. This will stimulate collagen production which works by lifting the depressed area of the scar.

The Fractional CO₂ laser resurfacing treatment works similarly with derma roller the difference is that it uses precision lasers to do most of the job. If you would compare the three, in terms of value, derma roller is the cheapest procedure because it only uses a hand-held device.  It does not require any sutures to close the wound or expensive lasers to do the job.

This is why a lot of people prefer using derma roller instead of other treatment modality because it is cheap, cost-effective and provide effective results.

How long will it take to remove chicken pox scars?

You may need a few derma roller sessions before you can get rid of the scars. If you have an ethnic or brown skin, you may have transient discoloration of the skin, which may eventually resolve in time.  You may also observe the thickening of the actual surface of the scars. This occurs because the skin tissue of the scars begins to closely match with the skin around it.

The derma rolling therapy may not totally remove the entire chicken pox scars but it can successfully reduce its appearance.  The effectiveness depends on your commitment to the treatment plan. To boost its effectiveness, you may use creams and serums to increase its therapeutic effects.

What is the best micro needle size to remove chicken pox scars?

The appropriate micro needle size depends on the location and depth of the scar.  If you have fleshier scar, you may need longer needle length. If you are a newbie in derma rolling, it is best to used shorter micro needles. Un-experienced users should not used longer needle length such as 2mm or greater. This length is reserved for medical professionals because they have the training and know-how to use longer needles.

If your chicken pox scar is located on the face, you may need shorter micro needle which is appropriate for this sensitive part of the skin.

Why serums and creams are effective for derma rolling treatment?

There are many creams and serums that can be used to accelerate the healing process of chicken pox scar removal. The topical agents are of great help because it makes the healing journey more safe and comfortable. It also helps your skin restore its natural color and texture.

There are creams that are especially suited to treat chicken pox scars. It helps lessen the bumpiness, redness, itching and pain caused by chicken pox scars. The healing creams are especially formulated to penetrate deep chicken pox scarring. It also works well on kelloids that result from chicken pox scars. You can readily get these creams from accredited sellers.

Works Cited

Aashim Singh and Savita Yadav. (2016). Microneedling: Advances and widening horizons. Indian Dermatol Online J. , 244–254.

Costa IM1, Costa MC. (2014). Microneedling for varicella scars in a dark-skinned teenager. Dermatol Surg. , 333-4.

Medline Plus. (n.d.). US National Library of Medicine. Retrieved April 15, 2017, from https://medlineplus.gov/chickenpox.html

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