Chicken Pox Scars: Causes, Types, and Treatment

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Dr Robert Ong of Medical Aesthetics.
Written By: Dr Robert Ong (MBBS, GDFP (Dermatology), Member - American Academy of Aesthetic Medicine)
Last updated: Aug 15, 2025

What Are Chicken Pox Scars?

Close-up of chicken pox scars on Asian woman forehead showing atrophic marks after skin healing.

Chicken pox scars are marks that remain on the skin after the chickenpox rash has healed, often resulting from deeper skin damage during the healing process. These scars typically appear as small indentations (atrophic or pitted scars) or areas of pigmentation that differ from the surrounding skin tone.

While some marks fade over time, others may persist indefinitely without treatment. They are not medically harmful, but when they appear on visible areas such as the face or arms, they can make you feel a little more self-conscious than you'd like.

At Medical Aesthetics, we offer personalised treatments for chicken pox scars to help fade lingering marks and restore confidence in your skin.

What Causes Chicken Pox Scars to Form?

Cluster of inflamed chicken pox lesions on back showing risk of scarring from skin infection.

Chicken pox scars form when the skin's healing process is disrupted or exaggerated, particularly when blisters are scratched, inflamed, or become infected.

These factors can damage the deeper layers of skin, triggering a wound-healing response that may not fully restore the skin's normal structure. As a result, scar tissue may form in place of healthy skin.

Several factors increase the likelihood of scarring:

  • Excessive scratching – Picking or scratching scabs disrupts healing and deepens the injury.
  • Severity of the chickenpox outbreak – More severe rashes with extensive lesions raise the risk of residual scarring.
  • Secondary bacterial infection – Infected lesions are more likely to heal abnormally.
  • Skin type and healing response – Individuals with deeper skin tones or a tendency to form hypertrophic or keloid scars may be more prone, as their skin can produce more collagen or pigment during healing.

Types of Chicken Pox Scars

Woman pointing to flat scar on chest to show different skin texture from post chicken pox mark.
Close-up of skin with hypopigmented flat scars showing subtle chicken pox scarring patterns.
Woman pointing to flat scar on chest to show different skin texture from post chicken pox mark.

Chicken pox scars can appear as atrophic scars, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, or post-inflammatory hypopigmentation, depending on how the skin heals after the rash.

  1. Atrophic or pitted scars – Shallow or sunken areas of skin caused by a loss of collagen during the healing process.
  2. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation – Darkened patches of skin that remain after inflammation has settled, often more noticeable in individuals with deeper skin tones.
  3. Post-inflammatory hypopigmentation – Lighter areas where skin pigment has been reduced or lost following the healing of lesions.

Each type may require a different approach to treatment depending on severity, location, and skin type.

Will Chicken Pox Scar Go Away?

Chicken pox scars can be long-lasting, especially when the deeper layers of skin have been damaged, but some may gradually improve over time or respond to treatment.

Mild pigmentation changes often fade over several months to a few years. In contrast, deeper atrophic scars are more likely to remain unless managed with targeted skin therapies.

Early intervention and appropriate scar care can help minimise their appearance and improve skin texture over time.

Treatment Options for Chicken Pox Scars

Chicken pox scar treatment often involves a combination of approaches, from non-invasive skincare products to in-clinic procedures. The most suitable option depends on the type of scar, your skin tone, and specific treatment goals.

Treatment Description Purpose
Topical Treatments Creams and serums such as retinoids, vitamin C, and pigment-lightening agents like hydroquinone. Improve pigmentation and support skin renewal.

More suitable for post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation than for pitted scars.
Chemical Peels Use exfoliating acids such as glycolic acid or trichloroacetic acid (TCA) to remove damaged skin layers. Lighten pigmentation and refine skin texture.

Typically effective for superficial discolouration and mild scarring.
Microneedling Uses fine needles to create tiny pinpoint openings in the skin that trigger collagen production. Smooth out pitted scars and improve overall skin texture by encouraging natural collagen repair and renewal.

Often combined with serums.
Laser Treatments Use targeted light energy to treat different aspects of scarring. Includes fractional (CO₂) lasers, Q-switched lasers, and intense pulsed light (IPL). Improve pigmentation, reduce redness, and resurface uneven skin texture.

Suitable for both discolouration and deeper scarring depending on the treatment used.
Subcision A minor procedure that uses a fine needle inserted beneath the skin to release fibrous bands pulling down atrophic scars. Helps the skin lift and appear more even.

Often combined with fillers or microneedling.
Dermal Fillers Involves injecting soft tissue fillers under the skin to elevate depressed scars. Temporarily improve contour of pitted scars.

Often used for cosmetic enhancement alongside other treatments.

Chicken Pox Scar Treatment: Before and After Photos

Owing to the regulations of The Ministry of Health (MOH), we are unable to publish before and after photos on our website. However, you may view these photos during your consultation with our doctor to understand more about the treatment you seek.

Why Choose Dr Robert Ong's Chicken Pox Scar Treatment in Singapore?

The Medical Aesthetics Track Record

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Patients Consulted Since 2002

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Years of Experience

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Google Reviews

Experienced & Friendly Doctor

Dr Robert Ong listens attentively to your concerns and patiently discusses with you the appropriate treatment options, based on over 20 years of medical and aesthetics experience.

Affordable Treatments

We are priced competitively and affordably. We also have a variety of treatment options depending on your budget and requirements.

Safe & Effective Results

Our treatment options are safe, effective and promotes natural healing for your skin. We strive to keep your experience a comfortable one and will minimize any pain or discomfort, if any.

Chicken Pox Scar Treatment Cost

At Medical Aesthetics, we offer treatments for chicken pox scars and other types of scars caused by various factors. Pricing varies depending on the treatment selected.

Treatment Price*
Consultation From $38.15 to $70.85
Retinoid From $21.80
Chemical Peel From $114.45
Needle Subcision From $163.50
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) From $272.50
Fractional CO₂ Laser From $436

*Prices are NETT and inclusive of GST.
All patients are required to undergo a consultation with our doctor to assess his or her suitability for the relevant treatment(s).

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Frequently Asked Questions

Chicken pox scars may fade over time, but deeper scars often persist without treatment. Superficial pigmentation changes can gradually improve within months to years, while pitted or atrophic scars tend to remain unless managed with targeted therapies such as microneedling or laser resurfacing.

Chicken pox scars are often deep because damage from the varicella-zoster virus extends into the dermis, especially when lesions are scratched, inflamed, or infected. This disrupts the normal healing process and impairs collagen regeneration, leading to atrophic or pitted scars. Deep scarring is more likely when the outbreak is severe, the skin becomes secondarily infected, or healing tissue is repeatedly disturbed during recovery.

Yes, scratching chicken pox lesions can increase the likelihood of scarring, but not all scratched areas will leave permanent marks. Scratching disrupts the skin's healing process and may lead to deeper injury, inflammation or secondary infection, which can damage collagen and result in pitted or discoloured scars. While some minor marks may fade over time, others, especially deeper scars, may persist without targeted treatment.

Removing chicken pox scars that are over a decade old often requires in-clinic treatments such as laser therapy, microneedling, or subcision, especially for pitted scars. Topical treatments may help with discoloration but are typically less effective for deep indentations. Consulting a doctor can help identify suitable treatment options based on your skin condition.

Chicken pox scars can be flattened using in-clinic treatments such as microneedling, laser resurfacing, subcision, or dermal fillers. These options stimulate collagen production or release tethered scar tissue to improve skin texture and contour. Topical products alone are generally insufficient for pitted scars. Consulting a doctor can help determine the most suitable combination of therapies based on your scar type and skin condition.

Chicken pox can leave permanent scars, especially if the lesions are scratched, inflamed, or become infected during healing. These scars may appear as indentations or pigmentation changes and are more likely to persist if the deeper skin layers are damaged. While some marks may fade gradually, others require targeted treatment.

Retinoid may help improve mild pigmentation changes and support skin renewal, but it is generally not sufficient for deep pitted chicken pox scars. It can encourage exfoliation and stimulate collagen production over time, though visible results tend to be modest for textural concerns. Consulting a doctor can help determine whether retinoids are suitable or if more intensive in-clinic treatments are needed for your scars.

Chicken pox spots typically heal within two weeks, but scars can take several months to years to fade, depending on depth and skin type. Pigmentation changes often improve naturally over time, while atrophic or pitted scars are more likely to persist unless treated. Consulting a doctor can help identify whether active treatment is necessary to support scar reduction.

Pitted chicken pox scars can be treated with procedures such as microneedling, subcision, laser resurfacing, or dermal fillers. These treatments aim to stimulate collagen production or release fibrotic tissue beneath the scar to improve skin texture and contour. Topical products are generally less effective for deeper scars. Consulting a doctor can help identify the most appropriate treatment based on your skin type and scar severity.

Chicken pox scars form when the skin’s deeper layers are damaged, often due to scratching, inflammation, or infection during the healing process. This disrupts normal skin repair and may result in permanent changes such as pitted scars or discolouration. The risk of scarring is higher with more severe rashes or if lesions are picked at.

Chicken pox scars can be improved through a combination of treatments, including microneedling, chemical peels, laser therapy, subcision, or dermal fillers. Each option targets different aspects of scarring, such as uneven texture or pigmentation. The choice of treatment depends on the type of scar, its depth, and your skin type. Consulting a doctor can help determine the most suitable approach for your skin goals.

Natural remedies like aloe vera, vitamin E, or gentle exfoliation may help fade mild pigmentation over time but are unlikely to significantly improve deeper pitted scars. While home care can support skin healing, it generally does not reverse structural skin changes caused by severe scarring. Consulting a doctor is advisable to explore clinically supported options if natural remedies do not provide sufficient results.