How to Get Rid of Shingle Scars

Shingles is a virus that causes a serious rash. The condition results in burning, itching and blood-filled blisters, according to MayoClinic.com 1. Shingles typically develops as a band of blisters around the chest. When the blisters break, shingles scarring may occur as a normal part of the healing process. Fortunately, there are several procedures that can minimize the appearance of shingles scarring.

Undergo a scar revision procedure. This procedure remodels the skin to minimize the appearance of shingle scars. If your scars are itchy or painful, this procedure will help, according to the American Academy of Dermatology 4.

How to Get Rid of Stitch Scars on the Face

Learn More

Use soft tissue fillers if shingle scars have a depressed appearance. Your dermatologist will inject fat or collagen, mixed with hyaluonic acid, into the scarred skin. As a result, the skin will appear smoother and have a better appearance, according to the American Academy of Dermatology 4.

Request a punch excision procedure. Your dermatologist will surgically cut out the shingle scar. New skin is grafted to the area to minimize the scar’s appearance. The stitches used to close the scarred area are usually removed within several days, according the American Academy of Dermatology 4. Ask your doctor if your shingles scar is a good candidate for the procedure.

Topical Cortisone for Scars

Learn More

Remove top layers of skin with a dermabrasion treatment. Dermabrasion is commonly used to treat scaring resulting from infection and disease, according to the American Society of Dermatologic Surgery 23. Anesthesia is given to the patient and the doctor will sand away top layers of skin. Multiple procedures may be required, depending on the severity of shingles scars.

Undergo laser surgery to minimize the appearance of shingles scars. Lasers use a strong beam of light to focus on damaging scar tissue, according to the American Society of Dermatologic Surgery 23. The procedure is highly controlled, minimizing the risk of injury to healthy skin. Multiple sessions may be needed for shingles scarring, depending on severity.

Tips

Cosmetic procedures are costly. Discuss procedure cost with your doctor to assist in planning for the expense.

Warnings

Discuss procedure risks with your dermatologist. Some treatments have higher risks than others. For example, laser surgery has lower risk of additional scaring, compared to traditional scalpel surgery, according to the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery.