Most of us must have gone through the painful, itchy chicken pox experience at least once. Chickenpox is a viral contagious illness that is characterized by itchy red rashes. It is very common in childhood. Most of us develop immunity to resist chickenpox from occurring again. However, the virus may reactivate later in life in some cases to cause another painful ailment called shingles.
Chickenpox can leave scars. Itching can cause the scars to be more pronounced. Scratching also exposes the skin to infections, which can worsen the wound and consequently the scars as well.
Scars are a natural side effect of the body’s wound healing process; it may not be possible to completely eliminate them. However, there are several natural home remedies that can aid the wound healing process, prevent infections and help resist the urge to itch. These have a beneficial impact on scars as well.
Home Remedies For Chickenpox Scars
Neem Oil
Neem leaves are traditionally used in India to treat chicken pox. Neem possesses antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal and anti-oxidative properties that help promote wound healing and treating scars. It has the ability to increase blood flow and rapidly create collagen fibers that help heal wounds [1].
How To Use:
- Mix Neem leaves in water and consume the extract
- Apply Neem oil or a paste of Neem leaves and water on the rashes
- Use Neem soap or add Neem leaves to your bath
Honey
According to Ayurveda, application of Madhu (honey) can be very effective in treating Vrana (wounds). Honey stimulates tissue growth, enhances epithelialization and minimizes the formation of scars. Honey has antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties and relieves itching sensation [2].
How To Use:
- Mix 1 tbsp honey with 1 tbsp oats and water
- Apply this paste on the chicken pox scars
- Leave this on the skin for about 30 minutes and rinse with lukewarm water
Lemon Juice
The body produces collagen for repair of damaged skin. Lemon juice contains vitamin C that boosts the production of collagen [3]. It also contains alpha hydroxy acids that stimulate the exfoliation of epidermal cells and promoting cellular renewal. They also travel deeper into the dermis where they are shown to effectively reverse the signs of aging [4].
How To Use:
- Apply a small amount of lemon juice using a cotton swab
- Leave this on for about 15 minutes and rinse with water
Note: Higher concentrations of AHA’s can irritate the skin. The FDA recommends using AHA’s in a concentration of 10% or less.
Oatmeal
Colloidal oatmeal is produced by grinding oat and boiling it to extract the colloidal material. This makes a great natural moisturizer, cleanser, soothing and protective anti-inflammatory agent [5].
How To Use:
- Dissolve 1-3 cups of colloidal oatmeal in lukewarm water
- Once the water turns milky, soak in it for about 15 minutes; avoid getting any of the water in your eyes
- After 15 minutes, rinse the residue off your skin completely and gently towel dry; any leftover oatmeal may make your skin dry
Tulsi (Holy Basil)
According to Ayurveda, Tulsi is revered as “the elixir of life” owing to its medicinal properties. Its unique combination of antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities also makes it useful in wound healing [6].
How To Use:
- Apply a paste of tulsi leaves and water on the affected area, leave for a few minutes and rinse
- You could add this herb to your tea and consume
Rosa Mosqueta
This herb is recommended for topical use in treatment of scars. It reduces inflammation and helps encourage the proliferation phase and cell regeneration phase during wound healing [7].
How To Use:
- Apply Rosa Mosqueto oil on the area affected by scars
Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera is one of the most common effective remedies for most skin problems. It is rich in antioxidants and anti-microbial properties. It accelerates healing and lightens scars by increasing collagen production. It also possesses anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce any burning or skin irritation that may be caused by chicken pox.
How To Use:
- Opt for fresh Aloe Vera and extract the gel from the leaf
- Apply this gel on the scars and let the skin absorb it
References
- Conrick, John. Neem: The ultimate herb. Lotus Press, 2001
- A multidisciplinary approach to scars: a narrative review, U.S National Library of Medicine
- Vitamin C and Skin Health, Micronutrient Information Center
- Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) / Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA), Neuropathica
- Kurtz, Ellen S., and Warren Wallo. “Colloidal oatmeal: history, chemistry and clinical properties.” Journal of drugs in dermatology: JDD 6.2 (2007): 167-170.
- Tulsi – Ocimum sanctum: A herb for all reasons, U.S National Library of Medicine
- A multidisciplinary approach to scars: a narrative review, U.S National Library of Medicine
