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Written by The Skin Firm clinical content team · Medically reviewed by Dr. Monica C., MD (Dermatology, Venereology & Leprosy) · Reviewed on 16 October 2026
Quick answer
After chickenpox, most people are left with flat dark or pink marks, not true scars. These usually fade gradually over many months with sun protection, and topical treatments or peels may speed this up. Pitted (sunken) chickenpox scars are different: they don't fade on their own, but they can be improved with treatments such as TCA CROSS, microneedling, subcision or fractional CO2 laser, usually over several sessions. These are medical procedures, and the doctor who performs them is confirmed at the consultation.
Chickenpox is common in childhood, but adults get it too, and both can be left with marks on the face and body. Many people wait years hoping the spots will disappear, while others try harsh home remedies that make things worse. This guide explains how to tell a mark from a scar, what to expect over time, and which treatments help each type. For pitted scars, see our page on scar and marks treatment in Pune.
Why chickenpox leaves marks and scars
Chickenpox (varicella) causes itchy blisters that crust over and heal within one to two weeks. Most heal without scarring. Marks or scars are more likely when:
- Blisters are scratched or picked, which damages deeper skin
- Blisters become infected with bacteria
- The illness is severe, with many blisters, which is more common in adults
- The skin is prone to pigmentation, as Indian skin often is
The NHS and other health bodies advise keeping nails short and avoiding scratching during chickenpox for exactly this reason.
Marks vs scars: what do you have?
- What it looks like: Dark or pink marks: Flat brown, dark or pink spots, same level as the skin; Pitted scars: Round or oval depressions, often on the forehead, temples, cheeks or nose; Raised scars: Firm, raised scars, more often on the chest, back or shoulders
- Cause: Dark or pink marks: Pigment left after inflammation; Pitted scars: Loss of collagen in the deeper skin; Raised scars: Excess collagen during healing
- Will it fade on its own?: Dark or pink marks: Usually, over many months; Pitted scars: No, though it may look softer over time; Raised scars: Sometimes flattens slowly; keloids can grow
- Treatment focus: Dark or pink marks: Sun protection, topicals, peels; Pitted scars: Collagen-stimulating and resurfacing procedures; Raised scars: Injections, silicone, laser
You can check at home: stretch the skin gently or look at the spot from the side in good light. If it's level with the surrounding skin, it's a mark. If it's sunken, it's a pitted scar.
How long do chickenpox marks take to fade?
Flat marks usually lighten gradually over months. In darker skin, brown marks can take longer, sometimes more than a year, especially with sun exposure. Pink or red marks often fade faster than brown ones.
Things that slow fading:
- Sun exposure without sunscreen
- Picking, scrubbing or using harsh home remedies such as lemon or baking soda
- Using bleaching or steroid creams without medical advice
Treating dark chickenpox marks
1. Sun protection, every day. UV exposure darkens marks and delays fading. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 or more) on the face daily, and reapply when outdoors.
2. Gentle skincare. A mild cleanser and moisturiser keep the skin calm. Irritated skin produces more pigment.
3. Topical treatments. A doctor may suggest products such as azelaic acid, niacinamide, retinoids or other depigmenting agents. These need weeks to months, and the right choice depends on your skin and age.
4. Chemical peels. A series of superficial chemical peels can speed up fading of persistent marks. Peels for darker skin are chosen carefully to avoid irritation.
Treating pitted chickenpox scars
Pitted scars form when the deeper skin (dermis) loses collagen, so the surface sinks. Treatment aims to stimulate new collagen and smooth the edges. Doctors often combine methods, because different scars respond to different treatments.
TCA CROSS (chemical reconstruction of skin scars). A high-strength trichloroacetic acid is applied precisely into each pitted scar with a fine applicator. It triggers collagen formation inside the scar. An Indian pilot study of facial post-varicella scars treated with TCA CROSS reported good improvement in many patients. It's well suited to small, deep, round scars.
Microneedling. Fine needles create controlled micro-injuries that stimulate collagen. An Indian study of atrophic facial scars, including chickenpox scars, found objective improvement after a series of sessions. Tolerance varies, and settings are chosen for your skin. Learn more on our microneedling page.
Subcision. A special needle is passed under the scar to release fibrous bands that pull the skin down. It helps rolling or tethered scars and is often combined with other treatments.
Fractional CO2 laser. The laser creates tiny columns of controlled injury, which resurface the skin and stimulate collagen. It's useful for larger areas of scarring. Downtime and pigmentation risk are higher than with microneedling, so settings and aftercare matter in Indian skin. See our CO2 laser page.
Dermal fillers. For some broad, soft scars, fillers can lift the depression temporarily.
How many sessions, and what results to expect
- TCA CROSS: Typical number of sessions: Several; Gap between sessions: Several weeks; Downtime: Small dark crusts for about a week
- Microneedling: Typical number of sessions: Several; Gap between sessions: Several weeks; Downtime: Redness for a few days
- Subcision: Typical number of sessions: Fewer, depending on the scars; Gap between sessions: Several weeks; Downtime: Bruising and swelling for a few days
- Fractional CO2 laser: Typical number of sessions: Several; Gap between sessions: Several weeks; Downtime: Redness, swelling and peeling for about a week
These are general expectations. Pitted scars usually improve gradually, and the aim is a smoother, less noticeable surface rather than complete removal. Results vary with the depth and type of scars, skin type and healing. A doctor will explain what's realistic for your scars before you start.
Risks and side effects
All scar treatments carry some risks, especially in darker skin:
- Temporary redness, swelling and peeling
- Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (dark patches), which usually fades but can take weeks
- Rarely, lighter patches, infection or worsening of scars
- Cold sore flare-ups in people prone to them, after some procedures
Good sun protection, following aftercare instructions and choosing settings suited to your skin type reduce these risks.
Chickenpox scars in children
Children's skin heals well, and many marks in children fade more completely than in adults. Pitted scars in children are usually left until the child is older, because most procedures aren't needed urgently and are better tolerated later. In the meantime, sun protection and gentle skincare help marks fade. If a child's scars are causing distress, discuss options with a dermatologist.
Preventing scars during chickenpox
If you or your child has chickenpox now:
- See a doctor, especially for adults, pregnant women, babies or anyone with weak immunity
- Keep nails short and clean; children can wear cotton mittens at night
- Use soothing measures such as calamine lotion and cool baths, and ask your doctor about medicines for itching
- Don't pick or pop blisters
- Watch for signs of infection: increasing redness, swelling, pain, pus or fever
Vaccination against chickenpox is available. Ask your paediatrician or physician whether it's suitable for you or your child.
Chickenpox scars on the body
Scars on the chest, back, shoulders and arms behave a little differently from those on the face. Skin on the body heals more slowly and is more prone to raised scars, particularly on the chest and shoulders. Flat marks on the body also fade more slowly than on the face.
For raised or thickened scars, a doctor may suggest silicone gel or sheets, steroid injections into the scar or laser treatment. For pitted scars on the body, the same collagen-building treatments are used, though results can be slower. Treatment on the body is often planned around clothing that covers the area during healing.
Preparing for scar treatment
A few steps before your first session help reduce side effects and improve results:
- 1. Use sunscreen daily for at least 2–4 weeks before treatment. Tanned skin is more likely to develop dark patches afterwards
- 2. Tell your doctor about cold sores. Some procedures can trigger them, and preventive medicine may be advised
- 3. Mention any medicines and supplements, especially blood thinners, isotretinoin taken in the past year, or photosensitising medicines
- 4. Pause strong actives such as retinoids and acid exfoliants a few days before, if your doctor advises
- 5. Plan around events. Most treatments have a few days of visible redness or crusting
- 6. Take photos for your own records in consistent lighting, so you can track change over months
Chickenpox in adults
Chickenpox in adults tends to be more severe than in children, with more blisters, higher fever and a greater chance of complications. That also means more chance of marks and scars. Adults with chickenpox should see a doctor early, especially pregnant women and people with weak immunity, because antiviral treatment may be recommended within the first day or two. Early care reduces the severity of the rash and the risk of infected blisters.
Myths about chickenpox scars
"Applying turmeric or lemon will remove them." Lemon can irritate and darken healing skin. Turmeric pastes have little evidence for scars and can stain or irritate.
"Scars will go away if I wait long enough." Flat marks usually fade. Pitted scars generally don't fade on their own, though treatment can improve them.
"Scrubbing will smooth pitted scars." Scrubs can't rebuild collagen and can irritate the skin and darken marks.
When to see a doctor
- Marks haven't faded after a year
- You have pitted or raised scars that bother you
- Scars are itchy, growing or painful (possible keloids)
- You want a plan that suits your skin type before trying products
You can book a consultation at The Skin Firm, a skin, hair and laser clinic at NIBM Road, Pune, to have chickenpox marks or scars assessed. For general information on scar types, read can scars be removed completely?
References
- Chickenpox — NHS
- Scars: diagnosis and treatment — American Academy of Dermatology
- TCA CROSS in atrophic facial post-varicella scars: a pilot study — Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery, 2013
- Microneedling therapy in atrophic facial scars: an objective assessment — Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery, 2009
- Subcision plus 50% TCA CROSS in atrophic scars — Indian Dermatology Online Journal, 2014
This article is for general information and isn't a substitute for a medical consultation. Editorial note: drafted with AI assistance and medically reviewed before publication.
