Home Remedies and Herbs for Chickenpox (Varicella)

Chickenpox is a disease that’s caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV).¹ This is the same virus that causes the condition known as shingles.² Once you have the virus, it remains in your system and can become active again, leading to shingles.² Most people will become infected with VZV before adulthood unless they are vaccinated.³ Though chickenpox results in an itchy rash all over the body, it’s considered a mild disease for most people and is usually not serious in healthy children.^{2, 3} However, it can be dangerous for pregnant women, infants, and people with poor immune systems.¹ Due to its highly contagious nature, individuals who have chickenpox symptoms should stay home from school or work until symptoms clear up.²

What Causes Chickenpox / Varicella?

Chickenpox occurs through the spread of the VZV virus, which can be contracted when someone who has the virus sneezes or coughs near you.² Sharing food or drink with someone who has the virus, or coming into contact with chickenpox blisters, can also spread the disease.² Chickenpox can spread from a person infected even if they don’t show chickenpox symptoms.² It’s most easily spread two to three days before symptoms appear, though it can take up to 21 days from infection for signs of chickenpox to arise.^{2, 4} Individuals most at risk are those who have never had chickenpox before or who have never had the vaccine.²

Chickenpox / Varicella Symptoms

The most prevalent of chickenpox symptoms is the appearance of a blister-like rash that spreads across the entire body.¹ Raised pink red bumps, small fluid-filled blisters, and scabs over the broken blisters can appear.⁴ Additional symptoms can include fever, headache, fatigue, and loss of appetite.⁴ Symptoms appear 10 to 21 days after exposure to VZV and last five to 10 days.⁴ Consult your doctor for diagnosis and medication. Seek medical attention if symptoms include dizziness, rapid heartbeat, tremors, shortness of breath, loss of muscle coordination, high fever, or vomiting.⁴ If the rash becomes very red or warm, it may be a sign of a secondary infection.⁴ Talk to your doctor if anyone in your home has an immunodeficiency disorder or if you have an infant.⁴ In individuals where the disease is mild, treatment includes rest and medications to help with the itching.² Chickenpox herbal remedies can also help reduce inflammation and itching. Individuals with compromised immune systems should see their doctor and discuss alternative treatment options.² Chickenpox can be prevented through the chickenpox vaccine, which children will receive through their routine vaccinations.²

References

1. https://www.cdc.gov/chickenpox/about/index.html
2. http://www.uofmhealth.org/health-library/hw208307
3. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/chickenpox/home/ovc-20191271
4. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/chickenpox/symptoms-causes/dxc-20191277