20 of The Best Home Remedies for Chicken Pox (2024)

When chicken pox, a highly contagious viral infection, strikes, it tends to disrupt normal life significantly.

You might have concerns like whether a parent of a child with chickenpox can pass it on or not.

The blisters that suddenly appear all over the body are not only unsightly, but they itch with an intensity that can be unbearable. 

It feels like every move you make only aggravates the itchiness and discomfort.

Even resting becomes a challenge, as the mere contact between the skin and your clothing or bedding can cause further irritation.

If you have a child with chicken pox, you might think, "Can I go to work if my child has chicken pox?".

For further advice, check out this advice for parents with children who have chicken pox.

A silver lining exists amidst this daunting ordeal. The world of home remedies offers a plethora of solutions that can alleviate the itchiness, soothe the inflammation, and aid in your recovery process. 

This article delves into 20 of the best home remedies for chickenpox, laying down a clear, practical path towards relief.

We also understand that managing stress levels during a child's case of chickenpox is tough, so here's a resource to help you with that.

What is Chickenpox?

Chickenpox, caused by the varicella-zoster virus, is a highly infectious disease transmitted through coughs or sneezes.

After a 10-21 day incubation period, symptoms like itchy, red rash (starting on the chest, back, and face before spreading), fever, and tiredness appear.

The rash becomes fluid-filled spots that burst and crust over.

It's particularly severe for babies, adolescents, adults, pregnant women, and those with compromised immune systems.

The most effective prevention is the chickenpox vaccine.

Why Should You Consider Home Remedies?

Well, Chickenpox doesn't have a cure, but it does have a silver lining – you can make the ordeal more bearable with home remedial solutions.

Besides, these homemade treatments don’t just grow on trees – oh wait, some actually do!

Natural remedies can relieve certain symptoms without exposing you to the harsh chemicals found in medicines.

Skin-Soothing Remedies

Calamine Lotion and Oatmeal Baths

Let’s start with calamine lotion, which is like a cool breeze on a hot summer’s day for your itchy skin. It contains zinc oxide, which eases the irritation.

How about an oatmeal bath? Take some rolled oats, make them into a fine powder and add it to your bath. Voilà!

You have a soothing concoction that’ll calm the storm on your skin.

Aloe Vera, Baking Soda, and Honey

Next in line are Aloe Vera, baking soda, and honey. Aloe Vera – the green wonder that’s just pure magic for your skin.

Apply the gel from the plant on the blisters for some natural moisturising. Then, we have baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate if you want to get fancy.

This is your go-to itch assassin. Combine it with honey, nature’s sweet nectar, and you have a killer combo that can soothe the itch and tickling sensation.

Combating Itch and Irritation

Neem and Essential Oils

When Chickenpox makes your skin its battleground, arm yourself with neem, also known as Azadirachta Indica.

Apply its oil or make a paste from the leaves. The plant's antimicrobial properties will work wonders on your skin.

Don’t forget essential oils like tea tree oil, lavender oil, and chamomile oil.

These fragrant warriors can soothe skin irritation and provide relief from the constant itch.

Cool Compress and Wearing Gloves

As much as you might want to scratch that itch, stop! Instead, apply a cool compress to the area. It'll help reduce inflammation.

And if the temptation to scratch is just too much, why not pop on a pair of gloves?

Hand protection will prevent you from scratching the blisters and causing scarring.

Dietary Supplements and Nutrition

Fluids, Herbal Teas, and Carrots

Remember, your body is in the middle of a battle, and it needs reinforcements.

So, hydrate! Water, sugar-free popsicles, or even crunching on a carrot – anything to keep those fluids going.

Plus, carrots are loaded with beta-carotene, which is great for your skin.

While you’re at it, pour yourself a cup of herbal tea. Chamomile, green, or ginger – all are excellent to boost your immune system.

If you have children, and, once the symptoms have subsided, you may wonder when can my child go back to school after chickenpox. This guide can provide you with the necessary guidelines.

Boosting the Immune System with Vitamins

Apart from a well-hydrated body, your immune system could do with some aid.

Natural immune boosters like Vitamin C, Echinacea, Elderberry, Calendula, Garlic, and Astragalus Root can help speed up the recovery process.

Additional Remedies

Jojoba Oil and Antihistamine Lotion

On the list of alternative therapies, jojoba oil also stands out. It's a wonderful emollient, capable of soothing skin inflammation and reducing the redness associated with chickenpox.

Similarly, over-the-counter antihistamine lotions can aid in alleviating pruritus, or itching, associated with the viral infection.

Loose-Fitting Clothing and Sugar-Free Popsicles

During this period, comfort is key. Loose-fitting clothing can help reduce the irritation caused by clothing rubbing against the blisters.

While it might seem odd, sugar-free popsicles can be a source of relief.

They soothe a sore throat and contribute to your hydration, which is crucial during the recovery process.

Apple Cider Vinegar

A popular household staple, apple cider vinegar, or acetic acid, also serves as a natural remedy for chickenpox.

Its antiviral properties can help fight off the virus and soothe the skin. Dilute it with water and dab gently on the blisters for some relief.

Epsom Salt Bath

You can prepare an Epsom salt bath by adding a handful of this therapeutic salt to your bath water.

Its anti-inflammatory properties can help soothe the itchiness and inflammation from chickenpox.

Vitamin E Oil

Vitamin E oil promotes skin healing. Apply a small amount directly onto the blisters to prevent scarring and expedite healing.

Brown Vinegar

Just like apple cider vinegar, brown vinegar can also alleviate the symptoms of chickenpox.

Add half a cup to lukewarm bathwater and soak in it to relieve itchiness.

Lemon Balm Tea

Drinking lemon balm tea can help. The antiviral constituents of lemon balm will assist in battling the varicella-zoster virus.

Marigold and Witch Hazel

A concoction made from marigold flowers and witch hazel leaves can alleviate itching.

Soak them overnight in water, grind them into a paste, and apply it to the blisters.

Indian Lilac

Lastly, Indian lilac, or neem, exhibits excellent antiviral properties. You can make a bath with neem leaves or apply a paste made from the leaves on the blisters to reduce itching and speed up recovery.

Key Takeaways and Safety Tips

Chickenpox, while a common childhood illness, can bring about significant discomfort due to the itchiness and inflammation it causes.

Although home remedies are effective in alleviating these symptoms, it is important to observe certain safety tips to ensure a smooth recovery process.

Dos

Hydrate Regularly and Maintain a Nutritious Diet

Staying well-hydrated and eating a healthy diet are crucial elements for a speedy recovery.

Adequate fluid intake prevents dehydration caused by fever and keeps the skin hydrated, while a diet packed with immune-boosting nutrients can help your body fight off the chickenpox virus effectively.

Stick to bland foods if chickenpox sores make eating spicy or flavoured foods uncomfortable.

Maintain Good Personal Hygiene

Practising good personal hygiene is important not only to prevent the spread of the virus but also to avoid secondary infections.

Regularly wash your hands, keep your nails trimmed, and take frequent baths to keep the skin clean. Changing and washing clothes and bedding frequently can further help in maintaining cleanliness.

Consult a Healthcare Professional if Symptoms Worsen

While home remedies can significantly alleviate the symptoms of chickenpox, they are not a substitute for professional medical advice.

If symptoms persist or worsen, or if high fever, severe headache, sensitivity to light, or confusion develop, promptly seek medical attention.

Don'ts

Avoid Scratching the Blisters

Scratching the itchy blisters of chickenpox might provide momentary relief, but it can lead to long-term problems.

Scratching can cause the blisters to burst, leaving open wounds that are susceptible to secondary bacterial infections. Furthermore, scratching can lead to permanent scarring.

To resist the urge to scratch, consider using soothing remedies like calamine lotion, oatmeal baths, or cool compresses.

Do Not Take Ibuprofen

It might seem instinctive to reach out for common over-the-counter painkillers like ibuprofen to alleviate the discomfort caused by chickenpox. However, ibuprofen can lead to severe complications in individuals with chickenpox, particularly children.

Instead, if pain relief is required, consider using acetaminophen (paracetamol), and always consult a healthcare professional before administering any medication.

In Summary

Chickenpox, with its telltale blisters and relentless itching, can be a daunting experience for both children and adults. However, as we've outlined in this article, there are numerous natural remedies and treatments that can help soothe symptoms and make the process more bearable.

From the soothing effects of an oatmeal bath or calamine lotion, and the antiviral properties of essential oils, to the immune-boosting power of certain herbs and vitamins, these remedies provide comfort and relief.

Although these remedies may not cure chickenpox, they can significantly reduce discomfort and speed up the recovery process.

Remember, while using these home remedies, avoid scratching and maintain good hygiene to prevent any further complications. If symptoms persist or worsen, it is vital to seek medical advice.

With these 20 home remedies for chickenpox at your disposal, managing the symptoms is now within your grasp.

In a nutshell, Chickenpox might be a nuisance, but it's manageable. With a little patience, some caution, and these effective home remedies, you can alleviate the symptoms and make the journey more comfortable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get chickenpox even if I've been vaccinated?

Yes, but it's rare and typically milder with fewer blisters and mild or no fever. The chickenpox vaccine is very effective at preventing the disease, but like all vaccines, it's not 100% foolproof.

Can chickenpox be dangerous for pregnant women?

Yes, chickenpox can pose risks during pregnancy. If a pregnant woman gets chickenpox, there's a small risk of complications, such as congenital varicella syndrome, which can cause abnormalities in the baby. If a woman gets chickenpox in the week before giving birth, the newborn could have a severe form of the disease.

What is shingles, and how is it related to chickenpox?

Shingles, or herpes zoster, is an infection that can occur in anyone who has had chickenpox. After you recover from chickenpox, the virus remains inactive in your nerve tissues and can reactivate later in life, causing shingles. Shingles is typically characterised by a painful rash that usually appears as a stripe of blisters wrapping around one side of the body.