Chickenpox or varicella is an airborne disease first spread in America in the 15th century as a pandemic (Waba’ Maqami). It evaded Europe in the 18th century when Richard Marton considered it a type of smallpox. Later, he called it chickenpox. The reason for coining this name for the viral disease is unknown. But, we have comprehensive research on chickenpox treatment at home.
Before suggesting herbal remedies for chickenpox, why not look at the nature of the disease and how it initiates and spreads!
Chickenpox is a viral disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV). Firstly, it appears as a blister-like rash that grows anywhere on the face, chest, and back. Then, it attacks other body parts, including the organs with a mucous lining like vagina walls, etc. It disappears after 1-2 weeks. This solely depends upon the efficiency of a person’s immune system to develop respective antibodies.
Chickenpox Symptoms (Alamat)
Though, it is easier for a varicella-zoster virus to invade kids’ immune systems. But it also harms the adult’s immune system. Indeed, when entered into an adult body, the chickenpox virus shows more intense symptoms. Some of the common symptoms of chickenpox are
- High fever
- Loss of appetite
- Low energy level
- Headache
- Skin irritation
- The appearance of blisters on the skin (after a few days of fever in adults)
Is Chickenpox Contagious?
Yes, it is an infectious disease that commonly surges in kids. Before the ’90s, there was no vaccination for chickenpox. People periodically develop this disease at least once in their lives. Most probably, all the 90’s kids are invaded by this mild disease that transmits from person to person.
How does Chickenpox Start?
Being a contagious viral disease, VZV either directly attacks a person or is transmitted by some carrier (Dhara’i‘-i-Ta‘diya) and forms bumps on the skin surface.
Adults may experience a high fever before unmasking actual disease symptoms.
Chickenpox Cycle
Attack of Virus
A virus may be transmitted to the person by any direct or indirect source.
Resting Phase
The virus stays in the body for almost 2 to 3 weeks before showing any expression. During this apparent dormancy period, the virus slowly invades the cells’ reproductive machinery (DNA). Once it accomplishes this goal, the virus replicates itself and increases in number.
Bumps Formation
Tiny, pink/red protruding areas on the skin are called bumps. A virus can still spread by these bumps during the first two days of its appearance. These bumps give an itching sensation. If you mistakenly scratch them, the liquid inside them comes out and sticks to your hands. VZV can spread to other parts of the body and from person to person.
Bumps to Blisters
While new bumps are formed, the older one enters the next phase of their cycle, called blisters. Blisters are more prominent and bigger than bumps. They are more like blisters with fluid inside. Their thin membrane ruptures soon, and liquid comes out.
Scabbed Lesions
This phase of the chickenpox cycle is more like a recovery phase. A scab is a blackish-brown protective layer of tissues covering the rash for 3-4 days and facilitating healing.
Recovery Time
It takes 7 to 10 days to recover from chickenpox completely, leaving a dark spot on the skin. Our immune system produces antibodies in defense. These antibodies typically make a person resistant to a second attack of the virus.
Chickenpox Vaccine
The vaccine for chickenpox was synthesized from the virus discovered by Michiaki Takahashi. The vaccine got licensed for public use in 1988 in Korea and then in the US in 1995.
A complete vaccination of chickenpox includes two doses of the vaccine:
- First, after 12-15 months of birth
- Second, between the ages 4-6 years,
Some individuals may also develop the disease even after vaccination, but the symptoms will be milder. They will recover with little or no treatment shortly.
Chickenpox Treatment at Home
The herbal home remedies for chickenpox help relax us from the itchiness of blisters and high fever in chickenpox. Here, we have enlisted some chickenpox treatment at home:
Chickenpox Home Remedies for Itching
Chickenpox causes itching, redness, and sometimes rashes. So, we’ve come up with chickenpox home remedies for itching.
Sodium Bicarbonate Bath
We can easily take sodium bicarbonate from our kitchen as it is the scientific name of baking soda. Add a few pinches of it in water before bathing.
Chamomile in Bathtubs
Adding chamomile tea or flowers in bathtubs is another helpful mother. Chamomile clears wounds and facilitates the cell renewal process.
Cold Compressing (Ice Bath)
Itching may also be caused by the hot body temperament causing sweating. In such a situation, patting the blister with an ice cube covered with a piece of cloth soothes the sores effectively.
Oatmeal Baths
We can get rid of itching in chickenpox by having an oatmeal bath. Oatmeal acts as a protective barrier and reduces irritation and inflammation. Hence, it builds up a skin microbiome.
Chickenpox Home Remedies for High Fever (Dafi‘-i-Humma)
- Bath with warm water.
- Use any medicines for high fever except aspirin.
Chickenpox Home Remedies for Mouth Sores
- Have popsicles
- Drink chamomile tea for its anti-inflammatory effects.
- Use honey as it has remarkable healing properties.
- Take yogurt for its cold potency.
Precautions for Chickenpox Treatment at Home (Ilaj Bi’l Tadbir)
We have various preventive measures that help us recover from chickenpox. Some of them are mentioned below:
- Cut your nails to avoid scratching the chickenpox blister.
- Wear soft and thin socks on your hands before sleeping so that you cannot scratch the blisters even while sleeping.
- Wear loose and soft clothing made of natural fiber, such as cotton.
- Drink more water to stay hydrated.
- Eat less spicy food.
- Do not let your body sweat. Take a bath after short intervals.
- Keep your body moist and cool.
- Do not rub the towel on your body after a bath. Slow patting with a towel is recommended.
Home Remedies for Scars Removal
Chickenpox marks will go. The scabs do not leave permanent spots on the skin. They vanish naturally after 6-8 months.
Herbal Products for Spots (Ilaj Bi’l Dawa)
You can use chickenpox treatment at home. All of the chickenpox home remedies ensure the fast removal of these marks. Here are few herbal remedies for chickenpox spots:
| Herbal Products | Scientific Name | How to Apply? |
| Aloe (Sibr) | Aloe Vera | Cut succulent aloe leaves and extract gel. Apply this gel on your scars twice a day till your mark disappears completely. |
| Oats | Avena sativa | Make a paste of oats in warm water. Apply this paste on spotted areas for 10-15 minutes daily till the spots fade away. |
| Honey (Asl) | ————— | Apply on skin and let it dry. Repeat this activity till you get desired results. |
| Argan oil | Argania spinosa (L.) | Apply on the skin overnight. Repeat this activity till you get desired results. |
| Olive oil | Olea europaea (L.) | Gently massage the skin with a drop of oil. Repeat this activity till you get desired results. |
| Coconut water | Cocos nucifera (L.) | Apply on the skin overnight. Repeat this activity till you get desired results. You can also mix it with bathing water.You may also drink it to facilitate the process from the inside. |
| Lemon juice | Citrus limon (L.) | Soak a cotton ball with a few drops of lemon juice. Rub it on dark areas of skin for some time. Regularly repeat this activity till the spots go away. |
Exfoliation for Scars Reduction
We have a variety of scrubs and OTC creams to reduce scars. This production promotes the exfoliation process, which is a cell replacement process i.e., new cells take the place of old dead cells.
FAQ
Is Chickenpox Dangerous to Pregnant Women?
Pregnant women are sensitive to various things. Even the gynecologist avoids suggesting regular medicines to these ladies. Therefore, when a pregnant woman develops chickenpox, the chances of pneumonia and congenital varicella syndrome (CVS) increase.
Congenital varicella syndrome (CVS) is an uncommon syndrome in which a woman is affected by chickenpox after 20 weeks of pregnancy. The virus may cause abnormalities in the fetus, such as mental weakness, eye infections, and skin rashes.
Can Chickenpox Happen Twice?
Usually, if a person is attacked once with the chickenpox virus, they may automatically develop immunity against the virus. In other words, their immune system produces antibodies against viral attacks. Therefore, such individuals do not come across the disease later in life. It happens in rare cases when an individual meets the same virus again in their life.
If a chickenpox virus (VZV) attacks back on the same individual, then it does not cause chickenpox. Instead, it takes the form of shingles, which is a severe form of the same viral infection.
Can I Apply Coconut Oil to Chickenpox?
You can trust coconut oil, aloe vera, argan oil, and other ointments as herbal remedies for chickenpox. They reduce the itching sensation of blisters. If you apply coconut oil and other such herbal oils on chickenpox spots, they will soon fade away completely. But keep in mind your allergies to essential oil.
Conclusion
Chickenpox (varicella) had given rise to dire conditions to human health before the 90’s when vaccination for chickenpox was not introduced. Later, we controlled the situation to some extent. But still, it invades healthy human bodies and causes an infection. But this time, we can have chickenpox treatment at home. A fully vaccinated person may develop chickenpox rarely, but we have enough herbal home remedies for chickenpox.
