Skin

[lovesmilee]

I'm new to this forum and need to ask a question regarding my skin condition please guide me, thanks

[Justine Greenwood]

Hello and Welcome! I hope you find this forum useful.

Please ask away, giving as much detail as possible. Include any treatments you have tried and whether you have seen any healthcare professionals eg. GPs.

We will answer your question as best as we can.

Justine

[lovesmilee]

Hi , I had chicken pox at recently I'm 32 years old , although it was not easy but I resisted picking scabs and allowed them to come off naturally due to fear of scarring , now inspite of taking this precaution it has left me with red spots all over face and body due to which I'm getting very depressed, my face was spotless and it really embarrasses me going out without make up which i was not used to , please help I can even send you pic of my scars, thank you

[Justine Greenwood]

Hello and thank you for your post.

I am sorry you feel embarrassed due to your red spot scarring. I can appreciate this is very upsetting for you, especially because you took every precaution to prevent scarring.

I am sorry to say that scars cannot be removed completely. I hope to, however, give you some evidence based options to help reduce their appearance.

Silicone gels or sheets are available from some pharmacies. If used properly on healing skin (not open wounds) they can reduce redness and minimise scars.To be effective, silicone gels or sheets should be placed over the scar for 12 hours a day, for at least three months.

Bio oil is a product marketed to improve the appearance of scars and could be worth a try.

Ensure you use a good quality moisturiser to keep the scars supple and reduce drying which can make them look more visible.

There are also treatment options and specialist make up for scars available through your GP. Make an appointment with them to see what they recommend.

If you were to do an internet search on how to reduce chicken pox scars, you will see options such as lemon juice, vitamin E oil and so on. Unfortunately the evidence for these options is poor so are not commonly recommended.

I hope this helps a little. You mention that you are getting depressed with this skin complaint. That is worrying to hear and as such I really would recommend discussing this with your GP who will advise you of the best treatment for your scarring.

Kind regards

Justine