However, natural home treatments can help relieve this viral infection’s symptoms. Continue reading to learn more about this ailment and what you can do to speed up your recovery. Scroll down!
What Is Chickenpox And What Causes It?
Chickenpox is a viral infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV). It is also sometimes referred to as varicella (1).
Signs And Symptoms Of Chickenpox
Fluid-filled vesicles that are pink or red Blister-like rashes Itching Fever Tiredness and fatigue Headache Loss of appetite (2, 3)
How Does Chickenpox Spread?
The chickenpox virus can spread very easily by breathing in the same air as an infected patient or close contact with blisters. An infected person can transmit the disease from 1-2 days before they get rashes until they have healed completely. This contagious period lasts for a few weeks. Even people who took the chickenpox vaccine and still contracted the disease can spread it to others around them (4). Apart from being highly contagious, this viral infection can create a lot of discomfort. Use the remedies given below to get relief from the symptoms and easily recuperate from this infection. Here are the remedies.
How To Get Rid Of Chickenpox
16 Best Home Remedies For Chickenpox
1. Aloe Vera For Chickenpox
An aloe vera leaf Store the rest of the gel in the refrigerator. This is safe to use for up to seven days. Reapply 2-3 times a day. Aloe vera gel soothes and cools inflamed and itchy skin during chickenpox. It moisturizes the skin, has anti-inflammatory properties, and helps reduce the itching (5). This remedy is safe to use for chickenpox in infants as well.
2. Baking Soda Bath For Chickenpox
1 cup baking soda A bathtub with warm water
Add baking soda to the water in the bathtub and soak in it for 10-12 minutes. Do this every day. Baking soda soothes the itchy and inflamed rashes on your skin. It is also antimicrobial in nature and aids faster recovery from the infection (6). Alternatively, you can also add an antiseptic liquid like Dettol or Savlon to the bath and soak in it for a couple of minutes.
3. Oatmeal Bath For Chickenpox
2 cups oats 4 cups water A cloth bag Warm water A bathtub
Do this once every day. Soak in the goodness of an oatmeal bath – a tried and tested remedy that just can’t go wrong. Oatmeal helps to soothe and cleanse the infected skin. It relieves the itching by acting as a moisturizing agent. The inflammation of the rashes will reduce to a great extent with this remedy (7).
4. Vinegar Bath For Chickenpox
1 cup brown vinegar OR apple cider vinegar A bathtub Warm water
If you find vinegar too pungent, add a drop or two of an essential oil, such as tea tree oil or lavender oil, to the last mug of water and rinse. Tea tree oil and lavender oil also induce sleep. You can do this every alternate day. Both brown vinegar and apple cider vinegar give instant relief from itching, reduce the scarring, and heal the marks or lesions that you are bound to develop. Vinegar also has antimicrobial properties (8).
5. Salt Bath For Chickenpox
1/2 cup sea salt OR Dead Sea salt 1 teaspoon lavender oil (optional) Warm water A bathtub
Do this once every day. The antimicrobial properties of sea salt fight the germs and its anti-inflammatory properties relieve itching (9, 10).
6. Calamine Lotion For Chickenpox
5 drops lavender oil A cup of calamine lotion
Reapply 2-3 times a day. This pinkish liquid is sure to be on your doctor’s prescription if you are diagnosed with chickenpox. Calamine lotion gives relief from severe itching and also soothes the inflamed skin (11, 12).
7. Essential Oils For Chickenpox
1/2 cup coconut oil 1 teaspoon lavender oil OR eucalyptus oil OR tea tree oil OR sandalwood oil
A combination of essential oils, such as lavender oil with tea tree oil (in coconut oil), can also be used to soothe the rashes. Apply this oil blend 2-3 times in a day. This oil blend soothes the chickenpox scars and rashes and relieves itching. Coconut oil nourishes and hydrates the skin and relieves itching (13). Lavender oil relaxes and soothes the inflamed skin. It also works as an antimicrobial agent (14). Eucalyptus oil and tea tree oil possess antimicrobial and healing properties (15, 16). Sandalwood oil cools down the skin and reduces the fever with its antipyretic properties (17).
8. Neem Juice For Chickenpox
A handful of neem leaves Water
You can also draw a neem bath for chickenpox by adding some neem leaves to your bath water and rinsing your body with it (or soaking in it). Do this twice a day. The neem tree, or Indian Lilac, is loaded with antiviral and antibacterial properties. It gives instant itch relief. This potent ointment also dries the blisters, thereby accelerating the healing process (18). [ Read: Benefits And Uses Of Neem for Health ]
9. Lime Juice On Chickenpox
2 tablespoons lime or lemon juice 1 cup water Cotton
Do this twice a day. Lime juice acts as an astringent. It contains vitamin C and antioxidants that speed up the healing process of the chickenpox scars and rashes (19). This remedy may sting slightly. If you find it unbearable, clean the area immediately with plain water.
10. Boiled Guava Leaves For Chickenpox
10-12 fresh guava leaves 2 cups water Honey (to taste)
Have 2-3 cups of boiled guava leaves tea in a day. Guava leaves are often used in Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine for skin infections and irritation. They are rich in vitamin C and also have antimicrobial properties. They lessen the chickenpox rashes and also prevent scarring because of their vitamin C content (20). If you suffer from hypoglycemia, do not drink guava leaf tea as it lowers blood sugar. People with heart conditions should also refrain from using this remedy for chickenpox.
11. Herbal Teas
1 herbal tea bag (catnip OR chamomile OR basil OR lemon balm OR licorice) A cup of hot water Honey
You can add some cinnamon powder and/or lemon juice as well for flavor. Have 2-3 cups of your preferred herbal tea (from the options given above) in a day. Herbal teas like chamomile, basil, and lemon balm have a multitude of medicinal properties. They regulate the gastrointestinal system and boost immunity. Their anti-inflammatory compounds and antioxidants aid quick recovery from chickenpox (21, 22, 23).
12. Vitamin E Oil
Vitamin E capsules Apply vitamin E oil 2-3 times in a day. Vitamin E oil hydrates the skin and removes the dead and darkened skin cells from the surface. It also exerts an anti-inflammatory effect on the infected skin and heals the rashes with its antioxidants (24, 25, 26). If used in the early stages of chickenpox, this oil will help avoid scar formation.
13. Marigold Flowers, Witch Hazel Leaves, And Water
2 tablespoons marigold flowers 5-6 witch hazel leaves A cup of water
Do this twice daily. Marigold flower has skin moisturizing properties (27). Along with the antiseptic properties of witch hazel, this remedy kills the infection causing virus and soothes the itchy skin (28).
14. Honey
Honey Apply honey twice a day on the rashes. Honey is a natural humectant and the best remedy for those itchy sores and lesions. It will not only reduce the urge to scratch but also help to reduce scarring (29).
15. Ginger
2-3 tablespoons ginger powder Add this to your bath water and soak in it for 20 minutes. Repeat every day for best results. Ginger has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. The chickenpox scabs and rashes will start healing, and the itching will greatly reduce with this remedy (30).
16. Green Peas
200 g green peas Water
Do this once every day. Ayurveda, the renowned form of Indian medicine that is becoming global, lists the use of green peas for application on blisters and lesions for quick healing. They contain vitamin B6, vitamin C, and folic acid. They fight inflammation, reduce the itching, and soothe the irritated skin (31). While the disease will take its due time to heal, these home treatments can be incorporated to soothe the skin, fight the urge to scratch, and reduce the chances of severe scarring. During the infection and after, it is important to maintain a healthy diet. This will help the body to build immunity against chickenpox and fight the infection better and quicker. We have listed the diet recommendations for chickenpox below.
Diet For Chickenpox
A well-balanced diet with plenty of fluids can make a huge difference in your recovery. Stick to basics and eat fruits and vegetables in their natural form as they are loaded with antioxidants, disease-fighting vitamins, minerals, and other chemicals that help to make the immune system stronger and fight the infection. Here are the food items you should eat and avoid.
What Foods To Eat When You Have Chickenpox?
Carrot and coriander soup Fish (but not shellfish) as it has anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids Yogurt as it contains probiotics that boost the immune system Mangoes, apricots, papaya, cherries, fig, pineapples, apples, and pears Vitamin C-rich veggies like kale, broccoli, peppers, watercress, and spinach Grass-fed beef and lamb, chicken, and turkey Shiitake mushrooms
What Foods To Avoid For Chickenpox?
Nuts Whole grains such as wheat, oats, and rice as they contain more arginine (Arginine helps varicella virus growth) Grapes, blackberries, blueberries, oranges, and grapefruit Chocolate Caffeinated drinks Salty foods as they can cause dehydration Spicy food and food high in fats
Make simple changes in your diet by following these recommendations advised by doctors and specialists. Let us now look at the people who have an increased risk of contracting the infection.
Risk Factors For Chickenpox
You are at a higher risk of contracting chickenpox if:
You haven’t had chickenpox before. You have not been vaccinated for chickenpox. You spend a lot of time in and around a school or an area frequently visited by children. You live with children. You have a weakened immune system due to an immune disorder or medications such as chemotherapy.
Complications can easily arise in newborns or infants, pregnant women, and people with a compromised immune system when they acquire this infection. Also, you can contract the virus even if you have been vaccinated. In such cases, the symptoms are usually mild to none. Prevention is the best option when it comes to chickenpox. Let’s see how you can avoid contracting this infectious disease.
Prevention Tips For Chickenpox
The best prevention tip for chickenpox is to get the vaccine. It is safe and effective, and is recommended for all children and adults. The vaccine is given in two doses and protects you from the infection. Here are some questions about chickenpox answered for you by experts. The phrase ‘Prevention is better than cure’ makes complete sense when it comes to chickenpox. If you have never had the infection and/or the vaccine, consult your doctor immediately to schedule the vaccination. Is chickenpox dangerous? Chickenpox can be dangerous if the child is too young or older than 12 years. Complications can also arise in pregnant women and people with a weakened immune system. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you suspect a chickenpox infection in someone who falls into the above categories. The complications that can arise include secondary infections, such as cellulitis, pneumonia, or encephalitis. Bleeding disorders have also been reported in rare cases. Where does chickenpox start on the body? The rashes usually start appearing on the face, chest, and back. Then, they spread to the rest of the body like the eyelids, mouth, and genital areas. Can adults get chickenpox from a child? Yes, especially if you have not had chickenpox before, or if you have not been vaccinated. Why is chickenpox so itchy and how to get rid of the itch? The viral infection causes red vesicles to form on the skin. These contain fluids made up of toxins produced by the virus that causes the itching sensation. You can use any any antiallergic prescribed by the doctor or try the home remedies given in this article to get rid of the itch.Note: The affected people should stay at home to prevent spreading the disease to others. You can cut the nails short or wear gloves to prevent scratching and minimize the risk of secondary infections. Apply Lactocalamine lotion to prevent burning sensation. Is smallpox the same as chickenpox? No, it is not. Chickenpox is caused by the varicella virus, which belongs to the herpes virus family, whereas smallpox is caused by the variola virus. This is commonly known as the pox virus. Smallpox has been eradicated and an effective vaccine is available for chickenpox. How many days does it take to get cured of chickenpox? It takes about 5-10 days to cure chickenpox. When is a child vaccinated for chickenpox? It is recommended to administer the first dose of the vaccine to the child between 12 to 15 months of age. The second booster dose is given between 4 to 6 years of age. The side effects of the chickenpox vaccine include mild fever and rashes, nausea, vomiting, stuffy/runny nose, and swelling at the site of the shot. Can you get chickenpox after being vaccinated? Yes, it is possible. However, in such cases, the symptoms are either none or very mild, with very few rashes and blisters. Fever may or may not be present. Can you get shingles if you did not have chickenpox? Shingles is a variant of the varicella-zoster virus infection. This is usually seen many years after chickenpox. The virus survives in your body and later reactivates and causes short-lived blisters called shingles. Hence, you can get shingles only if you have had chickenpox except in a few immunocompromised patients (like HIV or diabetes) who can get shingles although vaccinated for chicken pox . What is the difference between measles and chickenpox? Measles is caused by the paramyxovirus, and chickenpox is caused by the varicella virus. Measles presents itself as red rashes all over the body, whereas chickenpox causes red blisters. Measles lasts longer than chickenpox and is responsible for causing many deaths around the world. Can chickenpox vaccine delay your period? No, the chickenpox vaccine is not connected to any fluctuation in your menstrual cycle. Is chickenpox dangerous during pregnancy? Unfortunately, the answer to this question is yes. If you contract chickenpox in the early stages of pregnancy, it can cause low birth weight and birth defects in the baby. In case the mother acquires the infection close to the delivery date, both before and after, serious complications can arise, and they can be life-threatening for the baby. If you are planning to get pregnant or are pregnant and have never had chickenpox or taken the vaccine for it, please speak to your doctor about this. Can chickenpox cause birth defects? Yes, chickenpox in pregnant women can cause birth defects like limb abnormalities. Can you take the chickenpox vaccine while pregnant? The chickenpox vaccine is not recommended during pregnancy. Is it safe to be around a child with the chickenpox when I’m pregnant? No! It is not safe for you and the baby to be around an infected individual. Can you get chickenpox more than once in your life? It is very rare to get chickenpox more than once in your life. If it does happen, it usually presents itself as shingles.
