How to remove pock marks

[jpinsdg]

I had chicken pox when I was a teenager and I have pock marks on my face from it.  Can I use retin A to remove the old skin and possibly make the mark less noticeable?  Are there any other treatments?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
The pock marks are due to post inflammatory hypopigmentation. Although this type of skin problem is very difficult to treat, but you can try Elidel cream or Protropic ointment on these hypopigmented areas.But use them after a dermatologist’s guidance.If the symptoms still persist then  you can talk to your dermatologist about laser-assisted chemabrasion(LACA).It has provided excellent results in such hypopigmentation.

I hope it helps.Take care and pls do keep me posted on how you are doing or if you have any additional queries.Kind regards.

[Karin67]

I have similar thing, nothing bad enough that I've ever had anything done about it. But if I was going to, I do believe that a medical dermabrasion may help or chemical peel. There are different levels of chemical peels and insurance won't cover bcuz it's considered cosmetic. Your best bet is to see a plastic surgeon. Good luck!

[jfc12]

retin a is use to remove white heads, blackheads spots... i doubt it would be effective... its better to leave it... or it could be irritated and worst could happen to it.... a dematologist knows what to use to remove those spots... like laser surgery...