21 Home Remedies To Get Rid Of Chicken Pox

Chickenpox is a highly contagious disease caused by the Varicella Zoster Virus (VZV). It is also known as Varicella. It is an airborne disease which spreads through coughs, saliva, and sneezes of an infected person. Check out the natural home remedies for chicken pox.

It can also spread through the mucus or fluid from the blisters of an infected person. Having a poor immunity system leaves you vulnerable to contracting the disease.

The characteristic symptom of Chickenpox is the development of skin rashes that forms small, itchy blisters which eventually scab away. The rashes first develop on the chest, back and face making their way to the rest of the body in the following days.

Symptoms commence 10-21 days after exposure to the virus. The infected person is contagious from 1-2 days before the rashes appear, until the day all the blisters have dried and formed scabs. Other symptoms include loss of appetite, fatigue, fever, and headache.

Symptoms last for 7-10 days and have three distinct phases: First phase lasts for about three days wherein the red, and pink bumps appear on the skin. The second phase which lasts for three days, the bumps fill up with fluid forming blisters.

During the last stage, the blisters pop, drain and form scabs. The patient must be quarantined during the period of the chickenpox to prevent the disease from spreading any further.

Every person is susceptible to contract chickenpox. However, it is more common in children below 12 years of age, pregnant women and people with a weaker immune system. The most effective way to prevent chickenpox is to get the children vaccinated against the disease.

Getting regular vaccinations significantly reduces the chance of contracting the disease. Usually, the symptoms of chickenpox subside in about two weeks without any medical assistance, and patients recover through home rest.

Chickenpox

However, if any complications occur and the symptoms worsen to pneumonia, bacterial infections of the skin, or inflammation of the brain, a doctor must be consulted. Pregnant women who contract the disease must also seek medical assistance.

Although one can overcome the symptoms without any medical assistance, the rashes can be quite itchy and cause discomfort. A headache, fever leaves one fatigued. Thus, simple home remedies can be used to provide relief and make the symptoms bearable.

Home Remedies To Get Rid of Chickenpox

The Home Remedies to get rid of Chickenpox are as follows:

1. Avoid Scratching

Scratching should be avoided at all costs as it slows down the healing process, leads to scars and increases the risk of infection. Trimming the nails short and wearing gloves prevents scratching and minimizes the risk of secondary infections.

2.Maintain Good Hygiene

It is important to maintain good hygiene and daily cleaning of skin with warm water to avoid the spreading of secondary infections. Daily cleaning of the skin also prevents any bacterial infections of the skin.

3.Baking Soda

Baking soda is one of the most common and effective measures to provide relief from the severe itching that comes with Chickenpox. Baking soda restores the skin’s acid/alkaline balance and proper pH levels.

And thus, when Baking soda is applied on the skin, it dries and provides relief from the irritation caused by the rashes and blisters.

How To Use Baking Soda To Get Rid Of Chickenpox?

Take half teaspoon of baking soda and mix it well with water. Sponge the patient with this water. Let it dry on the skin.
Mix ½ – 1 cup of baking soda and mix it with warm water. This water can be used to take a bath by the patient.
One can even use cool water instead of warm to take a bath.

4.Honey

Honey has natural anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties which provide relief from the itching, pain, and redness. It can also prevent scars when applied regularly.

How To Use Honey To Get Rid Of Chickenpox?

Apply a thin layer of honey over the skin affected with rashes and blisters. Leave it for 20-30 mins and rinse with water. Repeat the process 3-4 times a day.

5.Neem Leaves Or Indian Lilac

Neem, also known as Margosa leaves or Indian Lilac, is one of the most effective remedies for chickenpox. Neem has antiviral properties that can combat the varicella-zoster virus causing chicken pox.

It also exhibits immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, antiulcer, antimalarial, antihyperglycaemic, antifungal, antibacterial, antiviral, antioxidant, antimutagenic and anticarcinogenic properties and provides relief from the itchiness caused by rashes and blisters.

Thus, neem leaves are widely used to reduce the discomfort suffered by the infected patients.

How To Use Neem To Get Rid Of Chickenpox?

Crush a handful of leaves and make a paste by mixing them with water. Apply the paste directly to the affected area.
Leave it on for 5-10 mins and then rinse with water. Avoid this method for children.
Soak neem leaves in warm water which can be used by the patient to take a bath.
Hang neem fronds around the bed of the patient.
Fan the patient with neem fronds.

6.Oatmeal Bath

Oatmeal has anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties which relieve the pain and itching. It also combats the virus that causes chickenpox and also prevents scarring.

How To Use Oatmeal To Get Rid Of Chickenpox?

Grind two cups of oatmeal into a fine powder. Add this powder in lukewarm water. Soak in this bathwater for 15-20 mins. Repeat the process regularly.
Grind 2 cups of oatmeal into a fine powder. Stir the powder in 2 liters of water and let sit 15 minutes.
Pour oatmeal into a cloth bag and tie it tightly. Put the bag into the bath water and swirl it around till the bath water becomes milky.
Soak in this bath water for 15-20 minutes to get relief from itching. Repeat the process regularly.

7.Brown Vinegar

Brown Vinegar is an effective measure to provide relief from the skin irritation and prevent scarring. The acetic acid in the vinegar kills the bacteria and dries out the blisters which make them go away faster.

How To Use Brown Vinegar To Get Rid Of Chickenpox?

Add one cup of Brown Vinegar to lukewarm bathwater.
Soak in this bathwater for 10-15 mins and or take a bath directly with the water.
Repeat the process regularly.

8.Carrot And Coriander

Carrot and Coriander are rich in Anti-Oxidants and Vitamins A and C which improve the immune system of the body. A soup made of carrots and coriander is highly beneficial in the healing process.

How To Use Carrot And Coriander To Get Rid Of Chickenpox?

Boil a pot of water and add 1 cup of chopped carrots and 1.5 cups of chopped coriander.
Let the mixture simmer for 15-20 mins.
Remove from the heat and strain. Drink this soup once a day for a month.
One could also eat boiled carrots and coriander for added strength.

9.Basil

Basil contains an anesthetic agent called eugenol, which provides relief from the itching and irritation by killing the bacteria that causes the irritation.

How to Use Basil To Get Rid Of Chickenpox?

Add a handful of fresh basil leaves to boiling water. Stir the mixture. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 3-5 mins.
Remove from heat and let it stay for at least ten mins. Strain the mixture and store it in the refrigerator.
Soak a washcloth in the basil-infused water and apply to affected area. The remaining water can be stored in the refrigerator for further use.
Repeat this process regularly.

10.Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera has natural healing, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that heal and moisturize the skin to prevent scars.

How To Use Aloe Vera To Get Rid Of Chickenpox?

Split open a fresh Aloe Vera leaf and apply the gel directly to the affected area.
Let it absorb and dry completely.
Repeat the process regularly.

11.Epsom Salt

Epsom Salt is a mineral consisting of Magnesium and Sulphate, which provides relief from the itching, pain and soothes any inflammation.

How To Use Epsom Salt To Get Rid Of Chickenpox?

Add two cups of Epsom salt to warm water and mix it well till the salt dissolves completely.
Soak in the bath water for 10-15 mins and then pat dry gently. Repeat the process regularly.
Add two cups of Epsom salt to warm water and mix it well. Then soak a clean cloth in the water and apply it to the affected area.
Leave it on till the cloth cools. Repeat the process regularly.

12.Ginger

Ginger provides relief from the itching caused by Chickenpox. Taking a Ginger Bath provides instant relief from the itching.

How To Use Ginger To Get Rid Of Chickenpox?

Add ¼ to ½ cup of powdered ginger to warm bathwater and soak in it for 15-20 mins. Pat dry the skin gently after the bath.
Boil a cup of water and add a teaspoon of peeled and crushed ginger. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for five.
Remove from heat, strain, and add one tablespoon each of honey and lemon juice.
Drink it 2-3 times a day.

13.Jasmine

Jasmine flowers provide effective relief from the discomfort caused by the symptoms. Jasmine flowers are used to make tea and used in a bath to treat chickenpox.

How To Use Jasmine to Get Rid Of Chickenpox?

Place the tea bag in a cup and add boiling water. Let the tea steep for ten mins before consumption.
Drinking Jasmine tea 2-3 times a day provides relief to the patient. Jasmine tea is available in herbal tea shops.
Grind a handful of Jasmine flowers and mix them with rice water. Add the rice water to lukewarm bath water.
Soak in this water for ten mins or use it to bathe.
Repeat the process regularly.

14.Marigold

Marigold or Calendula flowers have anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. They provide relief from the itching, swelling, and redness by killing the bacteria that cause chickenpox. Marigold also stimulates the production of collagen that reduces the pain and accelerates the healing process of the skin.

How To Use Marigold To Get Rid Of Chickenpox?

Add two tablespoons of Marigold flowers, and one tablespoon of Witch Hazel leaves to a cup of water.
Let them soak overnight.
In the morning, grind the soaked herbs to make a paste.
Apply the paste on the affected area and leave it on till dry.
Then rinse it with water. Repeat the process regularly.

15.Thieves Oil

Thieves oil is an amalgam of cinnamon, lemon, clove, eucalyptus, and rosemary oils and has antiseptic, antiviral, and antibacterial properties. These oils kill the bacteria that cause chickenpox.

How To Use Thieves Oil to Get Rid Of Chickenpox?

Add three drops each of Thieves oil, Lavender oil, and Melaleuca oil to a ¼ cup of Epsom salt.
Let the oils absorb the Epsom salt for 30 minutes. Add the oil-infused Epsom salt to warm water.
Soak in the bath water for 15 minutes.
Then pat dry the skin with a clean towel. Repeat the process regularly.

16.Sandalwood Oil

Sandalwood has natural anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-viral properties. It is also a natural calming agent. Turmeric used in the subsequent process has anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.

How To Use Sandalwood Oil To Get Rid Of Chickenpox?

Mix a teaspoon of Turmeric powder with Sandalwood oil to make a paste. Apply the paste to the affected area.
Let it remain for 30 minutes. Rinse with water and gently pat dry.
One can directly run Sandalwood oil to the affected area to get rid of the itching and redness.

17.Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil has antibacterial and antiviral properties that kill the virus causing Chickenpox. Ensure that the oil is not applied to the skin undiluted.

How To Use Tea Tree Oil To Get Rid Of Chickenpox?

Mix 4 drops tea tree oil with one tablespoon of Olive, Almond, or Coconut oil.
Use a cotton ball to apply the mixture to the affected area. Leave it on for 10 minutes, then wipe it clean with a wet cloth.
For more sensitive skin, add more carrier oil and less tea tree oil. Repeat the process regularly.
Add a few drops of tea tree oil to warm bath water. Soak in the bath water for 10-15 mins or use the water for a bath.

18.Herbal Tea

Herbal Teas strengthen the immune system. They also serve as mild sedatives, providing relief from the pain, irritation, and itching. Following herbs can be used to make the tea:

Lemon Balm
Echinacea
John’s Wart
Ginger
Holy Basil
Chamomile
Marigold
Burdock
Pau d’Arco

How To Use Herbal Tea To Get Rid Of Chickenpox?

Add one tablespoon of the herb of your choice to a cup of boiling water. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for five mins.
Remove from heat and let the tea steep for ten mins. Lemon juice, Honey, or Cinnamon powder could be added based on one’s preference.
Strain and tea and drink. Drink the tea 2-3 times a day to build immunity.

19.Homemade Anti-Itch Cream

Essential oils used in the cream have antiviral and antifungal properties that kill the virus causing chicken pox and soothe the skin.

How To Make The Homemade Anti-Itch Cream?

Ingredients

Baking soda – 1 teaspoon
Witch hazel – 1 tablespoon
Lavender oil – 5 drops
Fine sea salt – 1 teaspoon
Bentonite clay – 2 teaspoons
Tea tree oil – 2 drops
Peppermint oil – 5 drops
Clove oil – 2 drops
Ravensara oil – 3 drops
Rosemary oil – 1 drop
Niaouli oil – 2 drops

Mix all ingredients in a blender. Apply mixture directly on the rashes and blisters to provide relief from the itching. Repeat three times a day.

20.Green Peas

Great peas are an effective remedy to get rid of the itching and the scars.

How To Use Green Peas To Get Rid Of Chickenpox?

Add 200 grams of Green Peas to water. Boil the contents till the peas are soft. Strain it and set the water aside.
Crush the peas into a paste and apply the paste to the affected area. Leave the paste for an hour and then rinse it with water.
Allow the water obtained from boiling the peas to cool down. Then use this water to sponge the skin.
Repeat the process regularly.

21.Vitamin D

Researchers from the University of London study found a link between UV levels and the occurrence of the varicella-zoster virus. The study shows that chickenpox is less common in tropical countries, where it is sunny most of the year than it is in the temperate countries. The sun’s rays toughen the immune system and help kill the virus that causes chickenpox.

How To Use Vitamin D to Get Rid Of Chickenpox?

Go outside for some time in the morning and evening, when the sunlight is less harsh.
Take vitamin D supplements.
Ensure that you do not receive any sun exposure if you have active lesions on the skin, as this will turn the chickenpox blisters into scars.

Diet

A healthy diet provides all the vitamins, minerals, enzymes and flushes the toxins from the body. It also strengthens the immune system to fight against the virus causing chicken pox.

Eat a lot of raw fresh fruits and vegetables. The phytonutrients required to strengthen the immune system are provided by the fruits and vegetables.
Get plenty of Vitamin A and C.
Eat chicken soup and vegetable broth to strengthen your immune system.
Make smoothies with kale, beet, broccoli, cherries, blackberries, cabbage and drink it regularly to prevent the chickenpox and its scars.
Limit your consumption of meat, bread, and dairy products other than yogurt.
Avoid sweet, salty, spicy, oily, and processed foods.
Drink a minimum of 8 glasses of water a day, herbal tea, and organic fruit and vegetable juices to cleanse the body and boost the immune system.

Chickenpox is a highly infectious disease, and proper precautions must be taken to avoid contracting the disease and reduce the risk of infection.

Precautions

A quick glance at the precautionary measures:

Avoid scratching. This causes infection and scarring. Wear gloves to prevent scratching. Also, clip your nails.
Use calamine lotion on the affected area.
If you have sores in your mouth, ensure that you have a soft and bland diet.
Get plenty of rest and stay at home to avoid spreading the virus.
Always keep your skin clean and hygienic by taking sponge baths 1-2 times a day to keep blisters clean and free from infection.
If the rashes become warm or painful, or if they spread to the eyes, or if you experience disorientation, dizziness, rapid heartbeat, tremors, stiff neck, worsening cough, loss of muscle co-ordination, vomiting, or a high fever, contact a doctor immediately.
If you have sores in your mouth, gargle with saltwater.

If the patient has a deficient immune system or is under the age of 6 months, consult a doctor!