20 DIY Home Remedies For

Chickenpox
December 18, 2015 By Admin 92 Comments

Chickenpox is a highly contagious infection caused by the varicella zoster virus. This
itchy skin rash turns to blisters as it spreads over the entire body. Other symptoms
include fatigue, fever, and loss of appetite. Chickenpox usually lasts 710 days and
passes through 3 distinct phases. During the first, which lasts about 3 days, the skin
breaks out in raised red and pink bumps. For roughly 3 more days, those bumps fill
with fluid, becoming blisters or vesicles. During the third stage, those blisters pop,
drain, and form scabs.

Chickenpox can happen to people of any age, but it most commonly afflicts children
under 12. Pregnant women and those with weak immune systems are also more
prone to contract the illness. While the varicella zoster virus is the primary cause,
the disease can also be spread through physical contact and inhalation.
The best way to prevent chickenpox is to get vaccinated. The disease usually runs
its course and heals without medical treatment, but there are ways to make the
symptoms more bearable. Ready to find out what they are? Lets get started!

Home Remedies for Chickenpox:

Try these natural, safe and cost affordable home remedies which gives long lasting
results or relief from the chickenpox.

1. Baking Soda
Baking soda restores the skins acid/alkaline balance and proper pH levels, relieving
the severe itching associated with chickenpox.

Process 1:

Mix teaspoon of baking soda into a glass of water.

Use this mixture to give the patient a sponge bath.

Allow the solution to dry on the skin.

Repeat regularly.

Process 2:

Mix cup of baking soda into a warm bath.

Have bath with that water.

Note: You can also mix in normal water instead of warm water.

2. Indian Lilac or Neem Leaves

Indian Lilac, or neem, or margosa is antiviral. It fights with the virus that cause
chickenpox while relieving itching. Neem is always considered as magnificent herb
that contains immunomodulatory, anti-hyperglycaemic, anti-inflammatory, anti-
malarial, antiviral, antioxidant, anti-ulcer, antimutagenic and anti-carcinogenic
properties.
Process:

Fan the patient with neem fronds.

Or Hang neem fronds around the patients bed.

Or Add fresh neem leaves to the patients bathwater.

Or Crush handful of fresh neem leaves, mix them with water to make a paste,
and apply to chickenpox.

Leave on 5 minutes, then rinse with water. Do not use this remedy on children

3. Honey
Honey is naturally antiviral and anti-inflammatory. It kills the virus that causes
chickenpox while reducing itching, redness, and pain. It also prevent scars when
applied regularly.

Process:

Apply it to chickenpox in a thin layer.

Leave it on 20-30 minutes and rinse with water.

Repeat this process 3-4 times a day.

4. Carrot and Coriander

Carrots and coriander are rich in vitamins A and C and other nutrients needed to
strengthen the immune system. You can use them in soups to treat the infection.

Process:

Boil a pot of water and add 1 cup of chopped carrots and 1 cups of
coriander leaves.

Reduce heat and simmer 15 minutes.

Remove from heat and strain.

 Drink once a day for a month.

Note: You can also eat boiled carrots and coriander leaves

5. Oatmeal Bath
Oatmeal is antiviral and anti-inflammatory. It relieves pain and itching while helping
to combat the virus that causes chickenpox. It also helps prevent post-chickenpox
scarring.

Process:

Grind 2 cups of oatmeal into a fine powder.

Stir into 2 liters of water and let sit 15 minutes.

Pour oatmeal into cloth bag and tie tightly.

Put bag into bathwater and swish around until bath becomes milky.

Soak into bath water for 15 minutes to get relief from itching.

Repeat regularly.

Or You can directly add 2cups of oat meal powder in bath tub and soak for 15
minutes.

For better results, add the following essential oils to the oatmeal bath:

4 drops Lavender Oil

2 drops Tea Tree Oil

2 drops Naouli Oil

4 drops Roman Chamomile Oil

2 drops Clove Oil

2 drops Rosemary Oil

6. Brown Vinegar
Brown vinegar contains acetic acid that kills the virus that cause chickenpox. It also
dries out blisters so theyll go away faster

Process:

Add 1 cup of brown vinegar to lukewarm bathwater.

Mix well and soak for 10 minutes to heal lesions and prevent scars.

Note: Instead of soaking you can directly take bath with that water.

7. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is natural healing, antiviral and anti-inflammatory, and it heals and
moisturizes skin to prevent scars.

Process:

Cut open a fresh aloe vera leaf and apply the gel directly to chickenpox.

Let it absorb and dry completely.

Apply regularly to cure chickenpox.

8. Basil
Basil contains a anesthetic agent called eugenol, which relieves itching and irritation
while killing virus that cause infection.

Process:

Boil water and stir in a handful of fresh basil leaves.

Reduce heat and let simmer 3 minutes.

Remove from heat and let steep at least 10 minutes.

Strain and store in refrigerator.

 Soak a washcloth in the basil-infused water and apply to chickenpox.

Store the remaining water in refrigerator for further usage.

Follow this once a day to treat chickenpox.

9. Epsom Salt
Epsom salt is a mineral compound that contains magnesium and sulfate, which
relieve pain and inflammation.

Process 1:

Add 2 cups of epsom salt to a warm bath.

Mix it well until Epsom salt dissolved completely.

Soak for 15 minutes then pat dry gently.

Soak regularly until you get relief from chickenpox and its symptoms.

Process 2:

Mix 2 cups of epsom salt into 1 gallon of warm water.

Soak a clean cloth and wring excess water.

Apply it to chickenpox and leave on until cool.

Repeat several times a day to get rid of chickenpox.

10. Jasmine
Thai people have been using jasmine as a chickenpox remedy for centuries.

Process 1:

Place jasmine tea bag in a cup and pour hot water.

Let steep for 10 minutes and drink.

 Drink t his tea 2 4 times a day regularly.

Process 2:

Grind dried jasmine into powder.

Mix with 1 cup rice water.

Add mixture to warm bath tub.

Soak for ten minutes and gently pat dry your skin.

Repeat regularly.

11. Thieves Oil Bath

Thieves oil is a blend of cinnamon, clove, lemon, eucalyptus, and rosemary oilsis
antiseptic, antiviral, and antiviral. These oils kill the virus that cause chickenpox.

Process:

Add 3 drops each of thieves oil, melaleuca oil, and lavender oil to cup of
epsom salt.

Let the oils absorb into the epsom salt for 30 minutes.

Add the oil-infused epsom salt to a warm bath and soak 15 minutes.

After soaking pat dry the skin with clean towel.

Repeat daily.

12. Ginger
Ginger relieves itching.

Process 1:

Boil 1 cup of water and stir in 1 teaspoon peeled and minced ginger root.
 Reduce heat and simmer 5 minutes.

Remove from heat, strain, and stir in 1 tablespoon each of honey and lemon
juice.

Drink 2 to 3 times a day to prevent chickenpox.

Process 2:

Add to cup powdered ginger to a warm bath.

Soak for at least 20 minutes.

Pat dry the skin after bath.

13. Sandalwood Oil

Sandalwood oil and turmeric (also used in this process) are antiviral and antiviral.
They helps kill the virus that cause chickenpox while relieving inflammation and
itching.

Process:

Mix 3-7 drops of sandalwood oil with 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder to make
a paste.

Apply paste to chickenpox and leave on 30 minutes.

Rinse with water and pat dry.

Apply regularly to treat chickenpox.

Optional: replace sandalwood oil with vitamin E oil.

14. Herbal Teas

These herbal teas strengthen the immune system to help fight off chickenpox. They
also function as mild sedatives, relieving pain, irritation, and itching. Choose one
herb from the list, or mix two or three.

Herbs:
 Lemon Balm

Echinacea

Johns Wart

Ginger

Holy Basil

Chamomile

Marigold

Burdock

Pau dArco

Process:

Boil a cup of water and stir in 1 tablespoon of your herb of choice.

Reduce heat and simmer 5 minutes.

Remove from heat and let steep 10 minutes.

Strain and drink.

Optional: Add lemon juice or honey or cinnamon powder as per your

preference.

Drink 3 times a day.

15. Marigolds
Marigold or calendula flowers are antiviral and anti-inflammatory. They kill the
virus that cause chickenpox while reducing itching, swelling, and redness. They also
stimulate the production of collagen, which helps heal skin faster.

Process:
 Add 2 tablespoons of marigold flowers and 1 teaspoon of witch hazel leaves
to 1 cup of water.

Let them soak overnight.

In the morning, strain the water.

Grind the soaked herbs to make a paste.

Apply paste to chickenpox and leave on until dry.

Rinse off with water.

Repeat daily.

16. Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is antiviral. It kills the virus that causes chickenpox. Do not apply it
directly to skin undiluted.

Process 1:

Mix 4 drops tea tree oil with 1 tablespoon of any olive, almond, or coconut oil.

Use a cotton ball to apply the mixture to chickenpox.

Leave on 10 minutes, then wipe with clean wet cloth.

Repeat regularly.

Note: If you have more sensitive skin add more carrier oil and less tea tree
oil.

Process 2:

Add a few drops of tea tree oil to a warm bath water.

Take a bath or soak for few minutes.

17. Homemade Anti-Itch Cream

The essential oils in this recipe have antiviral and anti-fungal properties that help kill
the chickenpox virus and soothe skin.

Ingredients:

Baking soda 1 teaspoon

Fine sea salt 1 teaspoon

Bentonite clay 2 teaspoons

Witch hazel 1 tablespoon

Lavender oil 5 drops

Tea tree oil 2 drops

Peppermint oil 5 drops

Ravensara oil 3 drops

Naouli oil 2 drops

Clove oil 2 drops

Rosemary oil 1 drop

Process:

Mix all ingredients in a blender or food processor.

Apply mixture to on the rashes and blisters to get relief from the itching.

Repeat 3 times a day.

18. Green Peas

Green peas reduce itching and scars.

Process:
 Put 200 gms of green peas in a soup pot and cover them with water.

Boil until peas are soft.

Strain and set water aside.

Crush peas into a paste.

Apply paste to chickenpox.

Leave on 60-90 minutes.

Rinse with water.

Now sponge with the water you set aside after boiling.

Repeat regularly.

19. Vitamin D
A University of London study found a link between UV levels and the prevalence of
the varicella zoster virus. The study shows that chickenpox is less common in
tropical countries, where it is sunny year-round than it is in places with cold-dark
winters. The suns rays strengthen the immune system and help kill the virus that
causes chickenpox. Follow this Go outside for a few minutes in the morning and
evening, when the suns light is less harsh, and take vitamin D supplements. But
make sure that not to go for sun exposure if you have active lesions on the skin, as
this will turn the chickenpox blisters into scars.

20. Diet
A healthy diet flushes toxins from the body and provides all the vitamins, minerals,
and enzymes the immune system needs to fight the chickenpox virus.

Eat plenty of raw fresh fruits and vegetables. They provide phyto-nutrients
required to strengthen the immune system.

Get plenty of vitamin A and vitamin C.

Eat chicken soup and vegetable broth to strengthen your immune system.
 Make smoothies with kale, beet, broccoli, elderberries, cherries, blackberries,
cabbage and drink regular to prevent the chickenpox and its scars.

Limit your consumption of meat, breads, and dairy products other than yogurt.

Avoid sweet, salty, spicy, greasy, and processed foods.

Drink at least 8 glasses of water, herbal tea, and organic fruit and vegetable
juices a day to cleanse the body and boost the immune system.

Tips for Preventing and Treating

Chickenpox:
Avoid scratching. This causes infection and scarring. Wear gloves at night to
prevent scratching. Also clip lip your nails.

Use a cold compress to relieve itching and discomfort.

Use calamine lotion on the spots.

If you have chickenpox sores in your mouth, eat a soft, bland diet.

Get plenty of rest.

Stay home as much as possible to avoid spreading the virus.

Always keep your skin clean by taking sponge baths once or twice a day to
keep the scabs and blisters clean and free from infection.

If you have mouth sores, gargle with saltwater (1/2 teaspoon of salt mixed in a
cup of warm water) to relieve pain and prevent infection.

If rashes become warm or painful, or if they spread to the eyes, or if they are
accompanied by dizziness, disorientation, rapid heartbeat, tremors, stiff neck,
worsening cough, shortness of breath, loss of muscle co-ordination, vomiting,
or a fever greater than 103F (39.4C), contact a doctor immediately.

If anyone in your home has a deficient immune system, or is under the age of
6 months, call a doctor.
 These remedies are safe and do not cause side-effects. Try them all and let us know
which ones worked best for you.

Filed Under: Remedies

How do chicken pox spread from person to person?

Chickenpox is transmitted from person to person by directly touching the blisters,
saliva or mucus of an infected person. The virus can also be transmitted through the
air by coughing and sneezing.

How do you get rid of chickenpox?

Take a cool bath.
1. Add uncooked oatmeal grains, baking soda, or oatmeal bubble bath to the
water to help soothe the sores and calm the irritation.
2. After the bath, apply skin calming lotion or moisturizer before reapplying
calamine lotion.
3. Apply cool compresses to extra itchy areas of the skin between baths.

Where do chicken pox start on your body?

Chickenpox may start out seeming like a cold: You might have a runny or stuffy
nose, sneezing, and a cough. But 1 to 2 days later, the rash begins, often in
bunches of spots on the chest and face. From there it can spread out quickly over
the entire body sometimes the rash is even in a person's ears and mouth.

Can you take a bath if you have chicken pox?

It's fine for your son to have a bath or a shower despite being covered in chicken
pox spots. Some children find that bathing in lukewarm water helps to ease the
itching and if it works for your son you could let him have several baths or showers
a day until the spots become less itchy.

How long does it take for chicken pox to heal?

Chicken pox usually lasts 7-10 days in children. Adults may be sick longer. Children
can return to school or daycare after about 1 week. All of the blisters should be
scabbed before they go back.
How long does it take for chicken pox to go away in adults?
FACT: Chickenpox is contagious from one to two days before the rash appears
until all the blisters have formed scabs or lesions fade away (if no blisters develop).
FACT: It usually takes 10 to 21 days for chickenpox symptoms to appear after
exposure to an infected person.

Symptoms and causes

By Mayo Clinic Staff

Print

Symptoms

Chickenpox infection appears 10 to 21 days after exposure to the virus and usually
lasts about five to 10 days. The rash is the telltale indication of chickenpox. Other
signs and symptoms, which may appear one to two days before the rash, include:

Fever

Loss of appetite

Headache

Tiredness and a general feeling of being unwell (malaise)

Once the chickenpox rash appears, it goes through three phases:

Raised pink or red bumps (papules), which break out over several days

Small fluid-filled blisters (vesicles), forming from the raised bumps over about
one day before breaking and leaking

Crusts and scabs, which cover the broken blisters and take several more
days to heal

New bumps continue to appear for several days. As a result, you may have all three
stages of the rash bumps, blisters and scabbed lesions at the same time on
the second day of the rash. Once infected, you can spread the virus for up to 48
hours before the rash appears, and you remain contagious until all spots crust over.
The disease is generally mild in healthy children. In severe cases, the rash can
spread to cover the entire body, and lesions may form in the throat, eyes and
mucous membranes of the urethra, anus and vagina. New spots continue to appear
for several days.

When to see a doctor

If you suspect that you or your child has chickenpox, consult your doctor. He or she
usually can diagnose chickenpox by examining the rash and by noting the presence
of accompanying symptoms. Your doctor can also prescribe medications to lessen
the severity of chickenpox and treat complications, if necessary. Be sure to call
ahead for an appointment and mention you think you or your child has chickenpox,
to avoid waiting and possibly infecting others in a waiting room.

Also, be sure to let your doctor know if any of these complications occur:

The rash spreads to one or both eyes.

The rash gets very red, warm or tender, indicating a possible secondary
bacterial skin infection.

The rash is accompanied by dizziness, disorientation, rapid heartbeat,

shortness of breath, tremors, loss of muscle coordination, worsening cough,
vomiting, stiff neck or a fever higher than 102 F (38.9 C).

Anyone in the household is immune deficient or younger than 6 months old.

Risk factors

Chickenpox, which is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, is highly contagious, and

it can spread quickly. The virus is transmitted by direct contact with the rash or by
droplets dispersed into the air by coughing or sneezing.

Your risk of catching chickenpox is higher if you:

Haven't had chickenpox

Haven't been vaccinated for chickenpox

 Work in or attend a school or child care facility

Live with children

Most people who have had chickenpox or have been vaccinated against chickenpox
are immune to chickenpox. If you've been vaccinated and still get chickenpox,
symptoms are often milder, with fewer blisters and mild or no fever. A few people can
get chickenpox more than once, but this is rare.

Complications

Chickenpox is normally a mild disease. But it can be serious and can lead to
complications or death, especially in high-risk people. Complications include:

Bacterial infections of the skin, soft tissues, bones, joints or bloodstream

(sepsis)

Dehydration

Pneumonia

Inflammation of the brain (encephalitis)

Toxic shock syndrome

Reye's syndrome for people who take aspirin during chickenpox

Who's at risk?

Those at high risk of having complications from chickenpox include:

Newborns and infants whose mothers never had chickenpox or the vaccine

Adults

Pregnant women who haven't had chickenpox

People whose immune systems are impaired by medication, such as

chemotherapy, or another disease, such as cancer or HIV
 People who are taking steroid medications for another disease or condition,
such as children with asthma

People taking drugs that suppress their immune systems

Chickenpox and pregnancy

Other complications of chickenpox affect pregnant women. Chickenpox early in

pregnancy can result in a variety of problems in a newborn, including low birth
weight and birth defects, such as limb abnormalities. A greater threat to a baby
occurs when the mother develops chickenpox in the week before birth or within a
couple of days after giving birth. Then it can cause a serious, life-threatening
infection in a newborn.

If you're pregnant and not immune to chickenpox, talk to your doctor about the risks
to you and your unborn child.

Chickenpox and shingles

If you've had chickenpox, you're at risk of another disease caused by the varicella-
zoster virus called shingles. After a chickenpox infection, some of the varicella-
zoster virus may remain in your nerve cells. Many years later, the virus can
reactivate and resurface as shingles a painful band of short-lived blisters. The
virus is more likely to reappear in older adults and people with weakened immune
systems.

Shingles can lead to its own complication a condition in which the pain of shingles
persists long after the blisters disappear. This complication, called postherpetic
neuralgia, can be severe.

A shingles vaccine (Zostavax) is available and is recommended for adults age 60

and older who have had chickenpox.

What are the risks of chickenpox during

pregnancy?
Chickenpox during pregnancy can cause complications, both for the pregnant woman and the
unborn baby. However, the actual risk of any complications occurring is low.
It's rare to get chickenpox when you're pregnant. In the UK, it's estimated that just 3 in every 1,000
women (0.3%) catch chickenpox during pregnancy.
Most pregnant women who get chickenpox recover, with no harmful effects on the baby.
When to get medical advice

Seek advice from your GP or midwife immediately if you're pregnant and:

you think you may have chickenpox
either you've never had chickenpox or you're not sure, and you've been near someone
that has it (even if you have no rash or other symptoms)
you get chickenpox within seven days of giving birth
Complications for pregnant women

You have a higher risk of complications from chickenpox if you're pregnant and:
smoke
have a lung condition, such as bronchitis or emphysema
are taking or have taken steroids during the last three months
are more than 20 weeks pregnant

There is a small risk of complications in pregnant women with chickenpox. These are rare and
include:
pneumonia (inflammation of the lungs)
encephalitis (inflammation of the brain)
hepatitis (inflammation of the liver)
Complications that arise from catching chickenpox during pregnancy can be fatal. However, with
antiviral therapy and improved intensive care, this is very rare.
Complications for the unborn baby

Complications that can affect the unborn baby vary, depending on how many weeks pregnant you
are. If you catch chickenpox:
Before 28 weeks pregnant: there's no evidence you are at increased risk of suffering a
miscarriage. However, there's a small risk your baby could develop foetal varicella
syndrome (FVS). FVS can damage the baby's skin, eyes, legs, arms, brain, bladder or
bowel.
Between weeks 28 and 36 of pregnancy: the virus stays in the baby's body but doesn't
cause any symptoms. However, it may become active again in the first few years of the
baby's life, causing shingles.
After 36 weeks of pregnancy: your baby may be infected and could be born with
chickenpox.
Complications for the newborn baby

Your baby may develop severe chickenpox and will need treatment if you catch it:
around the time of birth and the baby is born within seven days of your rash developing
up to seven days after giving birth

For more information about treatment, see How is chickenpox treated during pregnancy?
Read more information about the complications of chickenpox during pregnancy and questions
about pregnancy.