Chicken pox, a rather contagious infection, can spread like fire, and the patient may need to be quarantined until the infection abates. While the worst symptoms of chicken pox subside in about a fortnight’s time, you can try a few effective home remedies to alleviate the symptoms such as itching and burning.
Home Remedies for Chickenpox
1. Honey:
A natural humectant, honey is the best remedy for those itchy sores and lesions. Buy a jar of premium quality honey and generously apply on the affected areas. Not only will this reduce the urge to scratch but it will also help with the scars!
2. Take a Cool Bath:
Water is your best friend when you are down with pox. Avoid a hot water bath; instead soak in a cool water bath to reduce the itching sensation. It will make you feel cleaner, reduce the itching and promote the ‘feel good’ factor. Applying some ice directly on the sores will help reduce itching too!
Alternatively soak in the goodness of an oatmeal bath – a tried and tested remedy that just can’t go wrong. Grind two cups of oatmeal into a fine powder in your processor, and tip it into half a gallon of water and let it sit. Now pour the mixture into a cloth bag, secure tightly and then drop it into the tub of water you have run for a shower.
3. Bake Those Sores:
Mix baking soda and apply it on the red bumps, leave it and let it dry. It will help the bumps heal faster and reduce the itching sensation.
4. Neem:
The Neem tree, or Indian Lilac, is loaded with anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties. Add Neem leaves to your bathing water or grind the leaves into a paste, and apply on the affected areas for instant itch relief. This potent ointment will also make the blisters go dry, thereby fastening the healing process!
5. Vinegar:
Add brown vinegar to your bath and soak in it for some time to get instant relief from itching, reduce the scarring and also heal the marks or lesions that you are bound to develop. If you find vinegar too pungent, add a drop or two of an essential oil such as tea tree or lavender oil into your last mug of water and rinse! Tea tree oil and lavender oil also induce sleep!
6. Make the C Count:
Carrot and coriander soup can work wonders when you are in the dumps with a bad case of pox. Chop and boil carrots and coriander in vegetable broth, and cook until they are soft and can be mashed. Drink this piping hot soup once a day till you fully recover!
7. Peas of a Pod:
Ayurveda, the renowned form of Indian medicine that is becoming global, lists the use of green peas for application on the blisters and lesions for quick healing. Boil the peas, crush them into a paste and apply generously on the marks. Leave it for an hour and then take a bath with warm water.
8. Calamine Lotion:
This pinkish liquid is sure to be on your doctor’s prescription when you are diagnosed with chicken pox. Add about 5 drops of calamine lotion to a bottle that is a quarter full with lavender oil. Shake thoroughly and use it like a lotion on the affected areas for relief from severe itching.
9. Salt Bath:
Once your bath is ready, add a tablespoon of dead sea salt or just sea salt to the water. Also, add a tablespoon of vodka and lavender oil to the water and soak in for a few minutes. The salt has antimicrobial properties that will fight the germs while the essential oils will soothe your skin! Another perfect home remedy for chickenpox.
10. Sandalwood oil:
Yet another essential oil, the sandalwood oil is your best bet to relieve itching and to speed up the healing process. The oil has a fragrant aroma and can also be used in combination with Vitamin E on post chicken pox scars!
Words of Caution:
1. Scratching Is No Good:
Remember that, while you want to scratch that itching sore, avoid it and be strong-willed. You will not only increase the need to itch, at times it can cause the sore to burst and hence, spread the infection. At the same time your nails and fingertips become a breeding ground for bacteria, causing further spread.
2. Avoid Very Spicy Food Or Fast Food:
Stick to basics and eat fruits and vegetables in their natural form as they are loaded with antioxidants, and disease-fighting vitamins, minerals and chemicals that help to make the immune system stronger and fight the infection.
3. Peppermint Oil:
Peppermint oil can aggravate chicken pox and should never be used directly or in diluted form to treat pox. The cooling effect the oil has when it comes into contact with the skin is in fact the burning of the skin!
4. Never Exfoliate:
Several posts suggest exfoliating to help remove the crusts. However, this can cause more harm than good, and also cause the infection to spread!
While the disease will take its due time to heal, this home treatment for chickenpox can be incorporated to soothe the skin, fight the urge to scratch and reduce the chances of severe scarring!
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