Home remedies for chicken pox offer relief from irritating symptoms and help the virus heal quickly. The first effort in learning about natural cures for chicken pox should begin with gaining an understanding of what the virus is, learning to identify its symptoms and then exploring various home remedies for chicken pox that are safe and easy to use.
Chicken Pox Definition
Varicella-Zoster, or chicken pox, is a highly contagious type of a herpes virus, which causes itchy blisters and spots to appear all over the body.
Chicken Pox Causes
Chicken pox spreads through the mucous membranes, such as the nose or the mouth, or may be contracted through the respiratory tract. Breathing virus particles present in the air after an infected person sneezes or coughs can cause it; or it can be spread by coming in physical contact with an infected person.
Most people are infected with chicken pox in childhood and once a person has had it, it usually does not reoccur. However, because the virus lays dormant in the body after the initial infection, later in life another form of it, known as shingles, can resurface and cause similar symptoms in adults.
Chicken Pox Symptoms
Several days before the symptoms of chicken pox are present, an infected person is contagious to others. The person may have a low-grade fever, feel somewhat lethargic and may even have a slight headache, but be completely unaware of their condition.
When symptoms do surface, they will normally begin on the chest, face or neck area, and the following are evident:
- Red, itchy, splotchy skin
- Itchy rash
- Blisters
- Fever
Eventually, the virus spreads to the surface skin all over the body and blisters will begin to dry and form scabs. Although the infected person has an almost insatiable urge to scratch the irritated skin, it is important that they not do so in order to avoid open sores becoming infected and in order to avoid permanent scarring. Home remedies for chicken pox are especially helpful in alleviating itchy skin.
Home Remedies for Chicken Pox
In most cases, the body’s immune system is sufficient in fighting the virus. However, the following home remedies for chicken pox are useful in easing symptoms and in lessening the time that a person is forced to suffer with this condition:
- Bathing in brown vinegar, neem leaves, ginger or oatmeal helps soothe itchy skin
- Baking soda mixed in a glass of water and then applied to skin will also help relieve itching
- Pure honey helps ease symptoms and heals sores faster
- Vitamin E oil or sandalwood oil applied to sores will help stop itching and prevent permanent scarring
A few common herbal remedies for chicken pox include teas made of:
- St. John’s Wort
- Goldenseal
- Chamomile
- Basil
- Ginger
- Lemon balm
- Marigold
- Yarrow
All of these home remedies for chicken pox act as a sedative to help alleviate headaches and to help a person obtain a peaceful rest as they heal. A soup made of carrots and coriander is also one of the best herbal remedies for chicken pox.
The chicken pox virus is not generally considered dangerous to healthy individuals who become infected with it. However, it can be very dangerous to pregnant women, as it can cause birth defects. It is also particularly dangerous to those with a weakened immune system who are unable to naturally fight the virus.
In very rare cases, the symptoms of chicken pox can lead to brain inflammations such as Reye’s syndrome and encephalitis. If a person with chicken pox experiences vomiting, convulsions, disoriented behavior or an excessive fever, it is advisable that medical attention be sought immediately.
Home remedies for chicken pox are a safe, effective way of treating a virus that commonly strikes in childhood. In becoming empowered through education about natural cures and home remedies, a variety of common diseases and illnesses can be treated without the risk of side effects from prescription medications and without long-term medical treatments.
