Effective Chickenpox Treatment at Home: Chicken Pox Home Remedies, Prevention and Much More

What is Chickenpox?

The varicella-zoster virus is a highly contagious virus that causes chickenpox. Although it primarily affects youngsters, those who have never been infected before may also get it. The virus is transferred by respiratory droplets or by coming into close contact with an infected person’s rash.

Fever, exhaustion, headaches, and a recognizable, itchy rash that initially appears on the face, chest, and back before moving to other areas of the body are all signs of chickenpox.

Although chickenpox usually goes away on its own in a week or two, chicken pox treatment aims to control symptoms and avoid complications. Acetaminophen is one over-the-counter drug that can help reduce fever and pain. Calamine lotion and oatmeal baths are some remedies that can calm the skin and stop itching.

Diagnosing Chickenpox

Because chickenpox has distinct symptoms, diagnosing it is typically simple. One example is a rash of red spots or blisters that starts on the face, chest, or back and then moves to other parts of the body. People may also feel generally uncomfortable, fatigued, headachy, and feverish.

In certain situations, a medical professional may verify the diagnosis by examining the rash’s appearance and obtaining information about the patient’s symptoms. Generally speaking, laboratory testing is not required until the diagnosis is unclear or problems occur.

For adults, chicken pox self care measures are essential. This includes getting plenty of rest, staying hydrated, and taking over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen to reduce fever and discomfort. It’s also crucial to avoid scratching the blisters to prevent infection and scarring. Seeking medical attention may be necessary for severe symptoms or complications.

Treating Chickenpox at Home

Several chicken pox self care techniques are used when treating chickenpox at home in order to reduce symptoms and encourage recovery. First and foremost, it’s critical to encourage the afflicted person to consume lots of fluids, such as water and herbal teas, in order to keep them hydrated. Applying calamine lotion or having oatmeal showers can help reduce itching.
Additionally, you can reduce the chance of infection and avoid scratching by wearing gloves at night and keeping your nails short. Acetaminophen or ibuprofen, two over-the-counter pain medications, can help lower temperature and discomfort. To help the patient’s immune system combat the illness, make sure they receive plenty of sleep. Finally, to reduce the chance of scarring and additional bacterial infections, refrain from scratching the blisters. These self-care tips for chickenpox might aid with symptom management and hasten recovery.

Home Remedies for Chickenpox Relief

Here is an effective chickenpox home remedy that can help you relieve symptoms:

1. Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera gel soothes and calms inflamed skin, it is a common ingredient in chickenpox treatment. It calms and moisturises the skin.

To make aloe vera gel, cut the leaf in half and scoop out the gel. Apply this gel 2-3 times a day for the best effects. This chickenpox treatment is safe for children and newborns.

2. Apply calamine lotion

Calamine lotion helps soothe itching. This lotion contains calming zinc oxide.

In chickenpox treatment, apply calamine lotion on irritated skin with a clean finger or cotton swab. 

Caution: Do not apply calamine lotion on or around your eyes.

3. Baking Soda Bath

Baking soda is anti-microbial in nature and aids in chickenpox treatment at home. A baking soda bath helps in the management of chickenpox symptoms. Here’s how you use baking soda for a bath.

• Fill a bathtub with lukewarm water, enough to cover the affected areas.
• Add 1 to 2 cups of baking soda to the water and mix till the baking soda completely dissolves in the water.
• Soak in the bathtub for 10 to 12 minutes and gently pat your skin dry with a clean towel.
• You can also add anti-microbial liquids to the bath.

4. Oatmeal bath

Oatmeal baths are an amazing chickenpox home remedy. It helps relieve itching and soothe chickenpox. Bathing won’t spread chickenpox from one location to another. While most drugstores sell oatmeal bath products for chickenpox treatment, you can manufacture your own by following these steps:

• Use 1 cup of oatmeal for older kids and ⅓  cup for infants and toddlers. 
• Grind it using a food processor or coffee grinder. Oatmeal in a muslin bag or pantyhose also works.
• Prepare a warm (not hot) bath and ground oatmeal in warm water till it turns milky.
• Let the body soak in an oatmeal bath for 20 minutes maximum.

You can also apply oatmeal lotion on the skin. It can help relieve itchy chickenpox blisters.

5. Bath with Apple Cider Vinegar

Bathing with apple cider vinegar is used as a chickenpox home remedy. The anti-microbial property of vinegar help in the management of chickenpox. It also helps reduce scarring, healing marks, and blemishes.

Add the apple cider vinegar to a warm bath and soak for 15 minutes. Rinse with normal water after the bath.

Add two drops of tea or lavender oil to the warm water to counteract the vinegar’s odour. Tea trees and lavender oils are known to help sleep better.

6. Sugarfree Popsicles

Chickenpox inside the mouth can be excruciating. Sugar-free popsicles help heal a child’s mouth sores and avoid dehydration.

7. Mittens to avoid scratching

The temptation to scratch your blisters can increase your pain and expose your skin to infection.

Put mittens or soft socks on your child’s hands at night or during naps to minimise scratching. Trimming your child’s fingernails can also assist in preventing damage.

8. Essential Oils

Coconut, lavender, tea tree, and other essential oils have characteristics of chickenpox home remedies. Coconut oil soothes irritation by moisturising the skin. Lavender oil exhibits solid anti-microbial properties that prevent infection. Likewise, tea tree and eucalyptus oil also help soothe inflamed skin.

Mix 12 tsp coconut oil with 1 tsp lavender or tea tree oil. Apply it 2-3 times daily for quick results.

9. Lime Juice

Lime is high in vitamin C and antioxidants. It is an astringent, speeding up the chickenpox treatment and reducing scars and rashes caused by it.

Apply diluted lime juice on rashes using cotton and leave it on for 5 minutes. Apply it twice a day for quick effects.

Use lime juice cautiously, as it can sting the affected region.

10. Chamomile compresses

Your chamomile tea may also help in the management of chickenpox. When administered topically, chamomile exhibits antiseptic and anti-inflammatory effects.

Add 2–3 chamomile tea bags brewed and cooled in your warm bath. Then apply the tea-soaked soft cotton pads or cloths on itchy skin and gently pat the skin dry.

11. Herbal Tea

Herbal drinks are also helpful in chickenpox treatment. It includes lemon balm, basil, and chamomile that help digestion and boost immunity. They are also high in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, which can speed up recovery from chickenpox.

Add honey or lemon juice to make herbal tea more appealing. Drink 2 cups of tea a day for the best results.

12. Honey

Honey is an excellent chickenpox home remedy for itchy blisters and sores. It helps lessen the impulse to scratch and reduces scarring.

• Apply honey to the wounds.
• Keep it on for 20 minutes.
• Wipe it with a damp cloth or rinse thoroughly with water.
• Apply it twice daily.

13. Boiled guava leaves

Guava leaves are high in vitamin C and exhibit antibacterial properties to treat skin irritations and infections.

• Boil guava leaves for 10–15 minutes.
• Strain it and add honey to taste.
• Warm this tea.
• You can have 2-3 cups daily.

People suffering from hypoglycemia should avoid having it, as it tends to decrease blood glucose levels. People having heart issues should also avoid this remedy.

14. Vitamin E Oil

Vitamin E is a hydrator. It lightens and exfoliates the skin’s surface. It is anti-inflammatory and contains antioxidants that help heal rashes. It can help reduce scarring if used early in chickenpox treatment.

• Pour the drops of oil from vitamin E capsules.
• Apply on scars and rashes.
• Keep it on for a while.
• Apply this oil 2-4 times daily.

15. Green Peas

Green peas are used in ayurveda as a chickenpox treatment to treat sores and blisters. They help relieve inflammation and irritation and calm the skin. They contain vitamin C, B6, and folic acid.

• Boil peas to make a paste.
• Gently apply this paste on rashes.
• Leave it on for an hour.
• Then take a warm bath.
• Repeat it daily.

16. Neem Juice

The neem tree, often known as the Indian lilac, is another antibacterial and antiviral agent. It instantly relieves itching. Its ointment can also dry blisters and speed up healing.

• Make a paste of the neem leaves. Relish in this paste for several hours.
• You can also take a neem bath. Add some neem leaves to warm water and soak or rinse your body.
• Do this twice a day.

17. Marigold flowers and witch hazel leaves

The marigold flower gently moisturises the skin. It is a very effective chickenpox treatment in combination with witch hazel leaves to destroy the infection-causing virus. 

• Soak marigold and witch hazel flowers overnight.
• Make a fine paste of this and apply it on rashes.
• After an hour or so, carefully wash it off.

18. Ginger 

This remedy helps reduce irritation in chickenpox. Ginger exhibits anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. To use ginger for Chickenpox treatment, grate a small piece of fresh ginger and wrap it in a clean cloth. Dip the cloth in warm water and apply it to the affected areas for 20 minutes. Repeat several times a day. Alternatively, you can mix a few drops of ginger essential oil with coconut oil or olive oil and apply the mixture to the affected areas to reduce inflammation.

19. Healing diet for chickenpox

Although chickenpox takes a long time to heal, the home remedies mentioned above can relieve all symptoms. Along with the above chickenpox treatment, a nutritious diet is required to build immunity against chickenpox.

• Immunity-boosting foods include carrots, omega-3-rich fish, and green vegetables like kale, broccoli, spinach, grass-fed beef, lamb, and chicken.
• Avoid caffeinated drinks, salty foods, nuts and acidic fruits like grapes.

If chickenpox symptoms don’t respond to these home remedies, it’s good to consult your primary healthcare doctor and get treated immediately. 

Preventing the Spread of Chickenpox

It is essential to stop the spread of chickenpox in order to safeguard people who are susceptible, particularly those with compromised immune systems. The following are some crucial actions:

• Immunization: The best defense against chickenpox is vaccination. Not only does vaccination prevent people from getting chickenpox, but it also slows the virus’s transmission across the population.
• Practice good hygiene: Maintain proper hygiene by routinely washing your hands with soap and water, especially after using the restroom or coughing or sneezing. Refrain from touching the face with unclean hands to stop the virus from spreading.
• Isolation: If someone in the family has chickenpox, keep them away from other people, especially those who have never had the illness before or those who are more likely to experience complications, including infants or pregnant women.
• Cover mouth and nose: To prevent respiratory droplets from spreading, advise those who have chickenpox to cover their mouth and nose with a tissue or their elbow while coughing or sneezing.
• Avoid close contact: When someone has chickenpox, try to avoid direct contact with them until they have healed from their blisters and are no longer contagious.

Disclaimer: The information given in this article is true to our best knowledge. Still, we recommend that you consult your doctor before taking any diet or treatment for chickenpox mentioned in this article.