Chicken pox scars advice

[2Loulou]

My daughter had chicken pox, she didn't have lots of spots but they were quite big. I am concerned about the scars. Anyone knows of an old trick or a good cream to get the skin back to normal? thank you

[Ruth_Baldock]

My sister had The Pox when she was a teenager (15) and uses bio oil on the worst ones and over tome it did work. Not sure if you could use on a baby/toddler though.

[2Loulou]

I have it actually, used whilst pregnant and it did get rid of dark patches on my skin

I ll check it out thank you

[TE44]

Vitiman E oil is very good and can be used on children.

[Saffron]

Advice from a dermatologist was not to let the scabs dry if possible. Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize! Any cream or oil that keeps the scars pliable will limit scar formation. xx

[edanna]

And also no sun, because even where the scar is currently invisible if the skin becomes tanned there will be white scars that last forever, according to my GP.

[Saffron]

Scars can be 'softened' in appearance with IPL or laser therapies. These are not suitble for children really. IPL is a bit nippy, and laser treatment positively hurts. You might consider this kind of treatment for a very self-conscious teen, if scars are on face etc.

[2Loulou]

thanks a lot, I was actually wrong about moisturizing, I was under the impression it had to be super dry to heal but I put loads of cream on her a couple of hours ago...as for the sun, we actually forgot what it looks and feels like! but that s another thread

[Saffron]

2Loulou, that's a very common mistake regarding the healing of wounds/scars. It's a holdover from Victorian medicine.

In Victorian times, bandages were difficult to sterilise and were often reused among multiple patients. The risk of infection associated with unclean bandages led the Victorians to believe that wounds needed to be open to the air to "breathe" in order to heal.

In fact, the skin does not breathe in any sense of the word, and leaving wounds open exposes them to bacteria which can lead to infection and further scarring. Leaving wounds unmoisturised to form hard scabs also inhibits the healing process b/c it causes the skin to crack and peel under and around the scab.

So, moisturize everywhere you can. If your LO has a few particularly bad scabs, try cleaning them gently with plain soap and water. Dry them thoroughly and apply a Compeed brand blister plaster. These provide excellent protection. They are waterproof and promote healing by helping the body to retain its own moisture over the wound. Look for the smaller ones that are meant for toes. (Scholl blister plasters are not made of the same material and will not work as well for this use.)

xx

[Ruth_Baldock]

Bloody hell, Saffron, I've often thought this in the past, but you're a mine of medical/pharmacutical knowledge. I'm not being sarky, honest!

[Saffron]

Hahaha. Sad, really, isn't it? ;-)

(I mean in regards to other things I could be doing while Little Saff is sleeping...)

[2Loulou]

Just saw that...wow! thanks

I do clean the scars dry and moisturise but don't protect them, actually she just started picking all of the ones on her face and neck, not helping do you have a trick for this Saffron, right now I just keep her hands busy with fruits and water...:)

[Saffron]

You might try a really heavy barrier cream like Lansinoh to keep scabs pliable and discourage scratching and picking. Other than that, there's not much you can really do to keep little fingers away from scabs. Keeping your LO busy is really good. And just try not to be disheartened by the appearance of the scabs. Most of them will fade in time. If you were doing oatmeal baths or something similar during the blister stage, keep these up until the scabs have all come away naturally.

[busymum]

hi 2loulou, i am stuck in with 2 girls and chicken pox scab stage but looks awful. slightly dreading another week of no contact with the human race. If you're feeling the same you're welcome to come round for a playdate! bit random but I'm sure you're both very nice.

I had no idea i was supposed to be moisturising the spots so thanks for that. I put my daughter out in the garden in her knickers this morning in a desperate attempt to dry them up!

[2Loulou]

hi, i was away with my two girls, and guess what, the young one got it too...awful! but no already looking much better, yes happy to meet, now they that they got it, nothing to fear anymore...:)

[busymum]

My youngest had it on holiday too, it was awful. We are all over it now (and the cabin fever) but there are a few scars hanging around. Always up for making new 'playmates', i've got 2 girls too. Send me a pm if you're free, we live Goose Green area.

[Mrs TP]

One of mine had scars for a good 8mths after. I don't actually remember when they faded but they are all gone now, albeit 4yrs later. I didn't use anything as she really couldn't bear me to touch them. It was heartbreaking when she was so irritated by it but my mental scars have faded too with time!

[louloulabelle]

hi

my two have just had the 'pox' and are at dry scabby stage too, im using Aveeno Bath Colodial and Aveeno moisturizer cream to try to keep the scabs soft! thats all you can do and of course try to prevent them picking!!!.

good luck

boring being housebound isnt it...

[apenn]

On the picking prevention front - see if you can get her to wear gloves. I remember that's what my mom did when my little sister had them. Especially useful at night when you scratch in your sleep.

-A