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The dreaded spots that cover elementary school-aged children can also affect adults too. Most everyone (at some point in their lives) will encounter a bout of chickenpox. This itchy, scratchy, highly contagious condition is almost looked at as a right of passage for kids. To make symptoms more bearable, becoming familiar with home remedies for chickenpox is highly suggested.

What is Chickenpox?

Chickenpox is a well-known illness characterized by an itchy rash and red spots (or blisters called pox). The red spots can erupt all over the body and no place on your skin is safe from its wrath. While it’s not likely for you to endure another bout of chickenpox once you’ve had it, the virus actually stays in your body long after the illness has disappeared. If the virus becomes active again, it can turn into shingles [1].?
Chickenpox goes through three different stages. The first involves the appearance of raised pink or bumps called papules. The bumps will transform into blisters filled with fluid. Lastly, the sores will crust over and turn into scabs. The most common places that the chickenpox rash attacks are on the face, chest, neck, and even the scalp. The entire body could become affected, such as the throat, eyes, and even the genital region [2].

Causes and Symptoms

The varicella-zoster virus is responsible for causing chickenpox. The majority of people who contract the virus suffer the symptoms of chickenpox by the age of 15 [3]. Most cases occur when an individual is between the ages of 5 and 9. However, anyone at any age can face a bout of chickenpox.

The most glaring symptoms of chickenpox is the red, itchy rash that initially looks like bug bites. These sores break open and crust over, and if scratched, permanent scarring can take place.

Chickenpox Home Remedies

In addition to the chickenpox rash, an individual may experience a fever, stomach pains, loss of appetite, mild headache, irritability, and a dry cough. To ease the symptoms of this very common occurrence in most everyone’s life, consider the following home remedies for chickenpox:

a) Oatmeal:

With a long-standing reputation for soothing skin conditions, oatmeal is an inexpensive home remedy for chickenpox that helps relieve itchiness. Add finely ground oatmeal to your cool bath or make a paste that you rub onto affected parts of the body. Some people have also placed oatmeal in a cloth bag tied with string to create a healing poultice that is allowed to float on top of the water during a warm bath.

b) Brown Vinegar:

Add ½ cup of brown vinegar to a warm bath and soak to ease the discomfort of lesions on the skin.

c) Baking Soda:

The itchiness of chickenpox can be unbearable. Mix a small amount of baking soda in a glass of water. Sponge down your body with the remedy. When the baking soda dries, it not only discourages scratching, but also helps with healing lesions.

d) Honey:

Honey has a long reputation for healing the body, especially when applied to the skin. Apply a thin layer of honey on skin affected by chickenpox.

e) Carrots and Coriander:

Use carrots and coriander to create a soup that helps fight the symptoms of chickenpox. Cut around 100 grams of carrots and 60 grams of fresh coriander into small pieces and boil in a small pot of water. Discard the residue and eat the soup at least once per day.

f) Cool Baths:

Fill a bath with cool water and soak in it for temporary relief of chickenpox. Adding baking soda, uncooked oatmeal, or finely ground oatmeal to the bath will enhance the experience and overall results.

g) Ginger Bath:

Soak in a bath filled with cool water and ginger for 30 minutes to combat the itching of chickenpox.

h) Herbal Tea:

Some herbal teas possess a mild sedative effect, which can make a bout of chickenpox seem less agitating. Choose herbs, such as chamomile, basil, marigold and lemon balm. A boost of healing power comes from added elements, such as cinnamon, honey, and fresh lemon juice. Slowly sip cups of the herbal tea throughout the day.

i) Vitamin E Oil:

Breaking open a vitamin E capsule and spreading it on chickenpox will ease itchiness and also contribute to healing. Also, the oil can lessen the appearance of scarring caused by chickenpox.

Resources

[1] http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/chickenpox-varicella-topic-overview
[2] http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/chickenpox/DS00053/DSECTION=symptoms
[3] http://www.medicinenet.com/chickenpox_varicella/article.htm