People, by nature, are self-conscious. They may not necessarily be vain, but more often than not, everyone wants to look better than they do. In today’s society where you are judged more by your appearance than what you are, how you look will always be how you are perceived when you first meet someone.

Since your skin is pretty much the only body organ that is visible to others, it is no wonder then that people go extra lengths to take care of it. Pimples, spots, blemishes—all these are blights to those who consider physical appearance an important part of their persona. To people who rely on their physical appearance for a living (models and actors, for instance), maintaining perfect, smooth skin is as important as maintaining a good reputation and wardrobe.

What is a Scar?

A scar is the body’s way of repairing the skin when it encounters an injury, whether it be due to an accident, surgery, or a disease. Every wound (except for some minor lesions) leaves a scar. When the skin tissue gets wounded or broken, the body mends it by lying down a body-produced protein called collagen fibers.

Since the body can’t reproduce whatever tissue it has lost in exactly the same way, the new scar tissue will be different, both in terms of texture and quality, than the skin surrounding it. Usually, the new scar tissue is inferior to the old tissue. For example, it will be less resistant to UV radiation than the original skin and it does not have hair follicles or sweat glands growing back in it. Most scars leave a trace of the injury that caused them, usually in the form of redness on the skin. The redness itself is not the scar, and it is temporary, usually going away after a couple of days (although in some rare cases, it could take several years).

Types of Scars

A scar can be raised, lowered, or, in some cases, stretched. If the body produces too much collagen during the healing process, a raised red lump on the skin appears. There are two types of this kind of scar. Hyperthropic scars remain relatively within the boundaries of the original wound. Kelloid scars, meanwhile, are far more serious since they can grow indefinitely, becoming large and tumorous (although they are usually benign).

Scars can also be lowered or pitted, becoming a recess into the skin. Such scars are the result of the loss of underlying structures that support the skin, like fat or muscles. Acne scars are the most common examples of this, along with chickenpox scars.

When it comes to pitted scars, few elicit as much of a reaction as chickenpox scars. Compared to other facial marks and scars, chickenpox scars can be numerous, depending on how you treated the pustules while still in the throes of the disease. If you gave in to the almost irresistible urge of scratching each and every itching blister you had when you were suffering from the condition, then chances are you will be walking around sporting ugly scars for years on end. Even if you were a good little patient and kept your hands off any chickenpox nodules on your body, there are some instances when scars still remain, though not as severe as if you clawed them out.

If your scars are particularly deep and large, you might have to accept the fact that they are there to stay; however, there have been several treatments and methods that people swear to that may get rid of the scars permanently or, at the very least, diminish their appearance so your face won’t have to look like a used dartboard.

Scar Treatment Methods

Wait and see. Before you do anything drastic about any new scars, wait first. Most chickenpox scars will usually go away after a few weeks. In fact, most people who have had chickenpox usually come out without even a single blemish on their skin. If the scars will not go away even after several years, then chances are there really isn’t anything short of laser resurfacing that will take them away. The bottom line is that chickenpox scars should go away even without treatment.

Ask your dermatologist about oral and topical medications. People swear on the effectiveness of treatments using Vitamin E and glutathione. However, before you spend huge amounts of cash buying treatments containing these antioxidant chemicals, consult with your dermatologist first. Every person has a differing skin composition, so a treatment that works wonders for one person might not work for another. There are also different methods of applying these treatments and some have been said to be less effective than others. Ask your dermatologist if such treatments are really found to be clinically effective and what the dosage and application method is best.

There are also people who have reported success in herbal and natural-based topical treatments like camellia oil and sandalwood oil. Gulbaaz plant seeds made into paste by mixing the white portion with water and then applying it once daily is also reportedly an effectively way to get rid of the scars. Before you try these home-brewed remedies, check with your dermatologist for any particular side effects.

Consider microdermabrasion. Microdermabrasion (also known as microderm) is a dermatological operation in which the dead outermost layer of the skin known as the stratum corneum is removed via light abrasion. There are different methods of microdermabrasion, mostly with the type of abrasive substances used, whether zinc or aluminum oxide crystals, a roughened surface, or fine organic particles.

The microdermabrasion procedure is not particularly painful. While it is mostly used for scars that are raised, it can also be used for lowered or pitted ones, although the effectiveness is admittedly lower.

Try laser resurfacing. Another popular method of removing scars is laser resurfacing. In this procedure, an intense laser is aimed at the area you want to treat. The laser beam gets rid of the epidermis (the outermost layer of skin) and, at the same time, heats the dermis (the underlying skin) so the stimulation of new collagen fibers can be made. As a result, new skin that’s smoother and firmer is formed as the wound heals. The good thing about this kind of resurfacing method is that it allows the doctors much greater control over the penetration to your skin. Accuracy is also increased, allowing the treatment of delicate and hard to reach areas, like around the eyes and lips.

Still, the best way to get rid of those chickenpox scars is to take care of yourself carefully when you have the condition. The most important advice is to not scratch yourself even if you itch like there’s no tomorrow. Scratching the boils and pox will drastically increase the formation of permanent scars, especially if they become infected. Apply natural remedies like vinegar and oatmeal baths to help lessen the itching, hence lessening the chances of you scratching them. Just ride the disease in the couple of weeks you’re afflicted with it. More often than not, you will come out of it literally unscathed.