Suffering from painful blisters and itchy boils all over the body with occasional bouts of fever and chills? You might have got the pox! These are the classic symptoms of chicken pox, a disease caused by the varicella zoster virus that has no known cure. And this is one contagious infection you just can not escape; it stays for a specific period of time and goes away only when the body develops a strong immune system to defend against the virus. You can however take steps to minimize its impact. Check out these simple home remedies for getting rid of chickenpox:
The reason behind chicken pox
Chicken pox is one disease that everyone is infected from, irrespective of his age or gender. It is one of the health ailments that people usually suffer from at least once in their lifetime. Chicken pox usually affects those who have weak immune systems, therefore, it is quiet common in babies and pregnant women. Listed below are some reasons that cause the pox:
- A communicable disease, it spreads rapidly through sneezing and coughing
- The Varicella Zoster virus present in the air
- Communicable
- A weak immunity system
- Climate change
Some common symptoms
Chicken pox starts out with tiny itchy bumps that gradually become pus filled blisters. These blisters then dry up and spread all over the body. It usually appears on the abdomen or the face and in a span of 2 to 3 days it spreads on to other parts. Look out for these symptoms to know whether you have the pox:
- Variations in body temperature
- Fever
- Headache and body pain
- Dry cough
- Loss of appetite
- Itchy boils all over the body
- An upset stomach
Simple home remedies to get rid of chickenpox
Although there are many medicines and other advance remedies available, there are some precautions and treatments you can adopt to ease your pain. Browse through affordable and effective home remedies for chicken pox:
1. Baking soda:
Baking soda is helpful in controlling the itchiness and irritation one usually suffers when they have the pox. Add one teaspoon of baking soda to a glass of lukewarm water, now wipe this mixture all over your skin with a cotton cloth. Repeat this procedure twice or thrice a day depending on the blisters.
2. Oatmeal:
To curb the painful burns and itching, add a cup of oatmeal to a tub of water. This oatmeal bath soothes the blister on your body, relieving you from the pain and uneasiness. The rough texture of the oatmeal feels wonderful on the skin and is one of the best home remedies for getting rid of boils.
3. Honey:
Honey is a natural antiseptic often used for skin related issues. By applying some organic honey all over the blisters at least twice or thrice a day, you are not only minimising the itching but also preventing the boils from spreading any further. Also honey is easily available and has no side-affects whatsoever.
4. Indian Lilac (neem):
Indian Lilac or commonly referred to as neem is among the most common and popular home based remedies to get rid of chicken pox. You can apply it as a paste or chew a few neem leaves to reduce the impact of the boils. Neem leaves reduces the itchiness and stops the virus from spreading any further. Neem heals the chickenpox blisters naturally and keeps your body cool.
5. Sandalwood:
Another cooling agent, sandalwood paste soothes the blisters and treats the rashes and chicken pox scars effectively. Available in paste and powder form, sandalwood reduces the redness and itchiness considerably. Apply sandalwood twice a day to dry out the boils faster.
6. Coconut:
Coconut is one herbal remedy that soothes the rashes and itchy boils by reducing the dryness in the skin. You can use either apply warm coconut oil over the blisters or drink coconut water daily to fight chicken pox. Coconut water keeps your stomach cool and minimises the boils drastically.
Useful herbs:
Treat chicken pox the natural way using a variety of some commonly found herbs. The main herbs include burdock root, golden seal, ginger, St. John’s Wort etc. Grind it to powder or use it in your food for faster relief from the painful blisters and boils.
7. Ginger:
Known for its healing, herbal and antiseptic properties ginger root works wonders on the chicken pox! This anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory cure minimizes the itchiness and burning considerably. All you have to do is apply some ginger paste on the affected areas; it reduces the swelling and dries up the boils.
8. Brown vinegar:
Brown vinegar is among the lesser known home remedies for getting rid of pox. Soaking your body in a tub of lukewarm water and a small cup of brown vinegar can work wonders for your skin. A natural healer, brown vinegar effectively covers up the chickenpox scars and boils marks.
9.Epsom salt:
Epson salt is known for its soothing and healing properties and is recommended for sore muscles and aching joints. Other than that, Epsom salt is also good for treating chickenpox rashes and burning blisters. You can consume the salt directly mixing it with water, soak your body in salt baths or apply a thick paste on the affected areas.
10. Herbal oils and herbal tea:
For instant relief, you can even try herbal oil massages. Easily available, these herbal oils soothe the painful boils and also ensures smooth even toned skin post chicken pox. Also, herbal tea is a smart solution for adults in treating the pox marks and itchiness. For best results add cinnamon, honey and lemon to the concoction.
11. Tea tree oil:
With its anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties tea tree oil is considered to be an effective home treatment for getting rid of chicken pox. The oil extracted from tea tree is used in a number of cosmetic products, and is good for curing rash and pox marks. You can directly apply some oil on the skin or use products that have tea tree extracts.
12. Vitamin D:
Sunshine is a natural and inexhaustible source of vitamin D necessary for children. Getting a healthy dose of vitamin D strengthens the body from within, and this is especially useful during chicken pox. The pox dries up faster and it even relives you from the painful rashes and itchy boils.
13. Calendula paste:
Calendula is a flower replete with many medicinal and healing properties. Grind the flower to a paste and add some essential herbal oils to it such as lavender oil or rosemary extracts for extra benefit. Apply this mixture on the blisters twice a day for long lasting results.
14. Lacto calamine:
A popular cosmetic product known for its medicinal properties, the lacto calamine lotion is used on burns or rashes. You can easily get a bottle in any medical or cosmetic store. Suitable for adults and children, this lotion gently soothes the itchiness and irritation. It even hides the post chicken pox scars and pox marks effectively.
Drinks and dietary tips that cure chicken pox in 3 days!
Mentioned below are some simple drinks and diet rules that is can really help you deal with the pox:
15. Drink lots of water:
One of the side effects of chicken pox is dehydration, the body temperature shoots up as the nasty boils and blisters burn your body. Perhaps the simplest of home remedies for getting rid of chickenpox, water hydrates the body and flushes out the harmful toxins. It cools the body and balances the body functions.
16. Fresh fruit juices:
Consuming lots of fresh fruits and organic juices not only hydrates the body but also drastically improves the immunity of the patient. Also most fruits are rich in antioxidants and effectively cleanse the blood from the toxic substances. Fresh, healthy and natural fruit juices are a tasty and nutritious solution.
17. Kale and broccoli juice:
Drinking organic juice made from fresh veggies is an effective way of improving your immunity and getting the energy to fight the pox virus. Broccoli is rich in antioxidants that cleanse your blood while kale has a high fibre and water content necessary for strengthening and hydrating the body. Either blend both the veggies in a juicer or eat them as salad.
18. Green tea:
Green tea is another effective solution for curing chicken pox. Full of antioxidants, it purifies the blood, cleansing the body of the harmful toxins that cause boils and blisters. Also the anti-bacterial properties of the green tea help minimize the germs and reduce the swelling and rashes considerably. Easily accessible, green tea is wonderful for adults, keeping you refreshed all day long.
19. Lemon and honey drink:
A well-known traditional treatment for chicken pox is a lemon and honey concoction consumed on an empty stomach early in the morning. Add some honey and one teaspoon of lime juice to a glass of warm water and drink this mixture every morning. Rich in antioxidants, vitamin C and other antiseptic properties, this drink naturally heals the pox rashes and marks.
20. Carrots and coriander juice:
Rich in vitamins and minerals, carrots help boost the immunity while the coriander is full of antioxidants that effectively flush out the toxic wastes from the body. A bowl of steaming carrot and coriander soup daily strengthens the body from within, hastening the healing process.
21. Chilled milk:
Chilled milk balances the body temperature and strengthens the bones as well. Mostly recommended for children as they are more vulnerable to germs and infections, milk is an excellent source of calcium and other vital nutrients. It soothes the blisters inside your mouth and provides instant relief from the burning pain.
22. A balanced and healthy diet:
It goes without saying that you’ll have to avoid spicy and oily food as it increases the body temperature and aggravates the pox. Add lots of green leafy vegetables and fresh fruits to your diet. It keeps you active and strong, and also checks your weight. Usually, an all salad diet is recommended as it heals you from inside and helps you fight the virus.
Some precautions to ease the pain:
You never know how long does the chickenpox last, it might stay on for days or even weeks! Follow these precautionary measures to reduce the impact of the pox or minimize the risk of being infected by the chicken pox virus in case someone else has it
- Avoid oily and spicy food, eat boiled veggies
- Drink lots of water
- Don’t itch the blisters
- Stay away from the chicken pox patient as the disease is communicable
- Keep your surroundings clean
- Be hygienic
The bottom line:
Though very painful and cumbersome, chicken pox is curable. Other than consulting your doctor and having the prescribed medicines, you can even try out the above mentioned cures are pretty convenient and 100% natural i.e. they have no side effects whatsoever. Follow these simple home treatments to get rid of chicken pox completely.