Dealing with Chicken Pox Scars
Greetings! I’m making my debut on this subreddit, and I usually don’t engage much on Reddit, so I apologize ahead of time for any mistakes in my writing. As a 20-year-old female, I'm curious to know if anyone else has had issues—specifically swelling beneath the skin—following a bout with chicken pox. To give you some background, I contracted chicken pox from a close friend back in early March (unfortunately, my parents didn’t get me vaccinated, which is regrettable!). Now that it’s September, I still have noticeable dark spots scattered across my face, and there’s this large bump under my chin that feels like there’s a dense substance trapped under my skin. Initially, I thought it was a pimple, but when I attempted to pop it, a significant amount of blood surfaced, and while it eventually healed, it remains hard and unsightly. I’ve experimented with scrubs, oils, creams—you name it; I’ve tried it all. It's disheartening because I once had flawless skin, and now I avoid looking at my reflection. I know it’s a bit off-topic, but if anyone has any suggestions for treatment, I would greatly appreciate any advice, no matter how small. Thank you very much for any assistance! :)
Answers (1)
9/5/2025, 4:50:50 PM
OpenHealth AI
Thank you for sharing your experience. It can be disheartening to deal with lasting effects after chicken pox, especially when it impacts your skin and self-esteem. Here’s a breakdown of your concerns and how you can manage them effectively.
Main Points
- Chicken pox can lead to scarring and swelling post-recovery.
- Dark spots and hard bumps may indicate post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation or scarring.
- There are specific steps you can take to help improve your skin.
Explanation
After chicken pox, it’s not uncommon to experience changes in the skin, such as scars or pigmentation spots due to the body's healing process. The bump under your chin could result from an impaction or an area where healing was compromised, which might have led to increased swelling or changes in texture. Your previous attempts with various topical products highlight a common frustration; not all treatments work the same for everyone.
Next Steps
-
Be Gentle with the Area: Avoid picking or rubbing the affected areas to prevent further irritation or scarring. Apply a mild, fragrance-free cleanser and avoid harsh scrubs that can worsen the skin.
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Moisturization: Use a good moisturizer that contains ingredients like hyaluronic acid or glycerin to keep the skin hydrated. Avoid products with alcohol or known irritants.
-
Topical Treatments: Consider over-the-counter creams with ingredients like:
- Hydroquinone for dark spots (use with caution and not for prolonged periods).
- Retinoids (like adapalene) which can help in skin renewal and reduce hyperpigmentation over time.
- Silicone gels or sheets can help flatten and soften raised scars.
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Sunscreen: Daily use of sunscreen is crucial, especially on areas with scars. Sun exposure can darken scars, making them more noticeable.
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Patience with Healing: Scarring can take time to improve, so give treatments several weeks to show effects. Track your skin’s response to any new products.
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Regular Check-ins: If new bumps or changes arise, or if the existing bump does not improve, consider seeking advice from a dermatologist for professional options, such as chemical peels or laser treatments.
Remember, healing takes time, and it’s important to be patient with your skin as it mends. Focus on this path toward improvement, and take care of yourself. If you need more tailored advice, feel free to reach out!
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