Chickenpox is very common among kids. It is generally caused by a virus called as Varicella-Zoster which is highly communicable by air, or through the mucus, saliva or oozing from blisters of one infected with chickenpox. Such children can be considered contagious from the first or second day before the rash associated with chickenpox show up till the time that the chickenpox blisters completely dry up.
Symptoms
Chickenpox is identified by an itchy rash, red spots and blisters that spreads to all parts of the body by touch. Its symptoms include fever, aching muscles, fatigue and loss of appetite. It usually takes between 10 and 21 days for the symptoms being full-blown after your child is exposed to the virus causing it. However, these days children are usually vaccinated against chickenpox, thus bringing down its incidence. Babies, however, are prone to it since they still aren’t vaccinated against it. Pregnant women and those with weakened immune systems are also prone to this condition.
Conventional treatment
Conventionally, children with chickenpox are kept isolated from others in the family until all the blisters are completely dry. With enough rest, a light diet and warmth, they can get over chickenpox quickly. There are also several proven natural and home remedies that can help your child get over its symptoms.
Here are 21 of the most popularly used ones for chickenpox:
21 Home Remedies for Chicken Pox in Children
1. Baking Soda
To use baking soda for relief from chickenpox, make a paste of half teaspoon of it with enough water and apply it on your child’s skin. Sponge him with this liquid and allow it to dry on the skin until your little one is relieved of all itchiness. Alternatively, you can mix half a cup of baking soda in some warm water and pour it in your kid’s bathing water.
2. Brown Vinegar
Brown vinegar is a good option for treating chickenpox because of its acetic acid content which kills harmful bacteria, gets rid of the body itch and dries blisters. It also prevents chickenpox scars from developing. To use brown vinegar, mix half a cup of it in lukewarm water and take a bath with it until your child is completely cured.
3. Oatmeal Bath
An oatmeal bath comprising finely ground oatmeal can help relieve the symptoms of chickenpox among kids. All you need to do is to put some of this into a warm water tub and watch how your child’s itchy skin finds relief. Let your child soak in the tub for about 20 minutes and pat his body dry using a clean towel. You will find that an oatmeal bath can get rid of the irritating itchiness. Plus, you can get more relief for him if you add to this some antiviral essential oils, such as four drops each of chamomile and lavender oils, two drops each of tea tree oil, Naouli oil, clove oil and rosemary oil. Add these to a handful of oats and sponge your child’s body with this solution.
4. Neem Leaves
Neem leaves, better known as Indian Lilac or Margosa leaves, are best known for remedying chickenpox since centuries in India. Neem’s antiviral properties fight the chickenpox-causing virus and relieves children of itchiness and body irritation due to blisters and rash. In fact, Neem also has anti-inflammatory, antifungal and antiviral properties, among others. This makes Neem ideal for curing chickenpox. However, you should take care not to let your child take it directly since it is very strong. To use Neem leaves to cure chickenpox, hang it all around the child’s bed, in a fan shape. Fan him with Neem fronds.
5. Honey
A natural antibacterial food, honey can easily cure chickenpox irritation due to the natural sugars it contains. By applying it on the body of your child, it will soothe his skin of all the rashes, itching and blisters. Leave it on for some time and wash it off. Repeat this a few times a day.
6. Homemade Anti-Itch Cream
A blend of anti-viral, antifungal properties and some essential oils can cure the rash and blisters of chickenpox. To make this effective oil, combine one teaspoon of fine sea salt and baking soda with two tablespoons of Bentonite clay, one tablespoon of Witch hazel, and five drops each of Peppermint oil and Lavender oil. Further, add three drops of Ravensara oil, two drops each of tea tree oil, Naouli oil and clove oil and one drop of Rosemary oil. Now, dab this on the blisters and rash to get relief from itching.
7. Epsom Salt
A mineral compound, Epsom Salt contains sulfate and magnesium. It can relieve itching and soothe inflamed skin, caused due to chicken pox. One way of using Epsom Salt for chickenpox, fill your child’s bath tub with warm water and two cups of Epsom Salt. Using your hand, mix it well for about 15 minutes and let your child soak in it for as long as possible. Once he is out of the tub, pat his body dry with a soft towel, taking care not to damage the blisters on his body. This regimen should be followed every day till he is cured of chickenpox.
8. Sandalwood Oil
Sandalwood oil is inherently antiviral and anti-bacterial. It is also anti-inflammatory and has a natural calming property. You might want to rub this oil into your child’s itchy spots and inflammation, but you can also use this recipe to get rid of all the symptoms of chickenpox. To use sandalwood for chickenpox, combine about six drops of this oil with one teaspoon of turmeric powder and make a thick paste of it. Apply it to your skin and leave it on for 30 minutes. Wash it off with water and pat it dry.
9. Jasmine Flower Tea
A Thai remedy, jasmine flowers to treat chickenpox is widely followed. Drink jasmine flower tea about three times a day or grind a handful of jasmine flowers and add it with some rice water. Put it in your child’s bath, ensuring you use tepid water. Let your child bathe with this water for relief from chickenpox symptoms.
10. Herbal Tea
Another kind of tea that will help your child get over chickenpox is herbal tea. This boosts his low immunity. You can choose from the list of herbs given here:
St. John’s wort, Ginger, Lemon balm, Holy Basil, Echinacea, Chamomile, Marigold, Burdock and Paul d’arco. Once you make your choice of herb, add one tablespoon of it to a cup of hot water and let it steep for about 10 minutes. You can also sweeten it with honey or stevia and add some cinnamon powder. Strain the liquid and let your child drink it several times in the day.
11. Marigold Flowers
Marigold flowers or Calendula has very good anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. This herb can successfully reduce swelling and skin inflammation. It can also stimulate collagen production, thereby relieving your child of pain and expediting the healing process. To use it, combine two tablespoons of marigold flowers, one teaspoon of witch hazel leaves and a cup of water. Add this liquid to your child’s glass of water and let it soak overnight. Next morning, grind the herbs with the water in which they were soaked and apply it to your child’s skin for relief from chickenpox.
12. Vitamin D
Vitamins are said to benefit children with chickenpox. They include Vitamin A, B-12, D, E and K. The properties of Vitamin A and beta carotene help stave viral infections. Vitamin B-12 provides the necessary relief to get over the itchy feeling. Vitamins D, E and K help absorb Vitamins B-12 and A and other nutritional supplements.
For children, care should be taken to provide them with vitamin supplements as an overdose of these could lead to severe health effects leading to long-term disability and death.
To get the best out of vitamins for your child suffering from chickenpox, expose him to the sun. His lesions should be kept away from the sun’s rays or they will dry and turn into scars. Also, Vitamin E oil can be applied on the rash to help heal it faster and prevent scarring.
13. Diet Remedies
At a time like this, your child’s body needs all the nourishment possible to boost his immunity against infection. These nutritious foods also clean out all the toxicity in the body to treat chicken pox. So, give your child a diet full of vegetables and fruits as the phyto-nutrients contained in them will help to boost his immune system.
Juices rich in Vitamin A and C will also help cure chickenpox. To make it more palatable, add a dash of honey. Chicken and vegetable soups are also nutritious and should be given often. Smoothies made of cabbage, cherries, blackberries and elderberries should also be given to your child. Give him a lot of yogurt.
He should avoid eating sweet and processed foods, dairy products, meat, bread, spicy food and butter.
14. Carrots and Coriander
Make a rich soup of carrots and coriander as they are rich in antioxidants that aid the healing process. To make this soup, chop 100 gm of carrots and 60 gm of fresh coriander leaves and boil them in 2 1/4 cup of water until it reduces to half. Give this to your child to drink once a day for a month.
15. Aloe Vera
A natural healer, aloe vera is also antiviral and anti-inflammatory in nature. It moisturizes the skin and heals it to prevent scarring. To use it, cut open a leaf of this herb and apply its gel directly on the blisters. Let the skin absorb it entirely and dry thoroughly. Apply it regularly to get rid of chickenpox.
16. Ginger Bath
To get rid of the irritation of the itching of chickenpox, give your child a ginger bath. To give your child a ginger bath, add about half a cup of ginger powder or fresh ginger pieces to a bath tub of warm water. Mix it and let your child soak in it for 30 minutes or till the water turns cold. Pat his body dry with a towel and taking care not to damage the skin.
You can also do the following: Boil a cup of water and add one teaspoon of minced ginger root. Lower the heat and let it simmer for a few minutes. Remove from the fire, strain and stir in a tablespoon of honey and lime juice each. Let your child drink the liquid a few times a day to prevent further incidents of chickenpox.
17. Apple Cider Vinegar
To get relief from chickenpox, dilute a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar in a glass of water and apply it to the blisters. Apple cider vinegar’s acidic content helps to subside the itching and hasten the pace of drying of the blisters.
Ayurvedic Remedies
18. Honey
Smear your child’s body with honey and watch him be absolutely free of chickenpox in just two days.
19. Green Peas
Save the water which you use to boil the peas in and use it to bathe your child. This remedy actually works.
20. Oatmeal Bath
An oatmeal bath reduces the itch associated with chickenpox. For this, cook about two cups of oatmeal and add it to two liters of water and cook it for 20 minutes. Put this sludge in a cotton bag and let it float in the bath tub till the water turns turbid. Let your child splash this water on his blisters. This will help to get rid of chicken pox.
21. Herbal Remedy
Most herbal remedies for chicken pox are topical mixtures that are safe for most children and adults. One of the most common herbal remedies is to create a mixture of rosemary, comfrey, and chickweed to soothe the skin. The convection is slightly warmed and applied to the skin using a clean cloth. To avoid rupturing of the blisters during the application process, the mixture should be blotted onto the skin gently. The herbs are applied as needed to soothe the itching, pain, and burning caused by blisters.
Conclusion
While your child tries to grapple with what happened to him, you will have to ensure that he doesn’t scratch his blisters, that his nails are short or cut and that he rests a lot. Keep him away from others so that he does not carry the infection where he goes. Keep him at home until he is fully recovered.
Resources:
Chickenpox: 10 Home Remedies to Relieve the Discomfort
http://www.healthguideinfo.com/natural-health-remedies-for-children/p28872/
