Chickenpox, once a rite of passage for many children, has become less common due to the varicella vaccine. Nonetheless, some people still find themselves or their children dealing with this itchy and sometimes uncomfortable condition.
While chickenpox typically runs its course without the need for medical intervention, there are several home remedies that can alleviate the symptoms. If you’re searching for natural ways to soothe the discomfort of chickenpox, you’ve come to the right place.
Detailed Review about Chickenpox in Infants
6 Best Home Remedies for Chickenpox
Before we dive in, always remember that while home remedies can offer relief, it’s crucial to consult with a healthcare professional if you or someone in your care is exhibiting severe symptoms.
1. Oatmeal Baths: Nature’s Soothing Agent
Oatmeal isn’t just a hearty breakfast option; it’s also a natural soothing agent. To benefit from its calming properties:
- Grind raw oatmeal into a fine powder using a blender or food processor.
- Fill a bathtub with lukewarm water.
- Add the ground oatmeal into the water.
- Mix well until the water takes on a milky appearance.
- Soak in the oatmeal-infused water for about 20 minutes, then pat dry with a soft towel.
The compounds found in oatmeal help reduce inflammation and itchiness, granting relief to those tiny red spots.
2. Baking Soda: A Simple Yet Effective Remedy
A common kitchen staple, baking soda, can work wonders for chickenpox-induced itchiness. Here’s how:
- In a bowl, mix half a cup of baking soda with lukewarm water to form a paste.
- Apply this paste gently on the affected areas, letting it dry naturally.
- Once dried, rinse it off with lukewarm water.
- Alternatively, you can add a cup of baking soda to a bathtub filled with water and soak in it.
Baking soda’s alkaline nature provides immediate relief from itchiness, ensuring a good night’s sleep.
3. Honey: The Sweet Soother
Honey isn’t just a sweet treat; it’s packed with antibacterial properties and offers excellent moisturizing benefits.
- Buy raw, organic honey from a reliable source.
- Apply a thin layer of honey directly onto the chickenpox blisters.
- Leave it on for about 30 minutes before rinsing with lukewarm water.
Not only does honey soothe itchiness, but its natural properties can also prevent malnutrition infections, especially if the blisters get scratched.
4. Neem Leaves: Nature’s Antiviral Wonder
Historically used in traditional medicine, neem leaves possess antiviral properties that can aid in the healing process of chickenpox.
- Collect fresh neem leaves (available at many health stores or online).
- Crush the leaves to form a paste.
- Apply the paste on affected areas, letting it dry naturally.
- Once dried, wash it off with cold water.
- Alternatively, you can add neem leaves to your bathing water.
Neem leaves not only reduce the itchiness but also speed up the healing process of chickenpox blisters.
5. Calendula Flower: The Gentle Healer
Known for its anti-inflammatory properties, the calendula flower is another effective home remedy for chickenpox.
- Buy dried calendula flowers from a health store or online.
- Grind the flowers with a little water to form a paste.
- Mix this paste with a teaspoon of witch hazel.
- Apply the mixture on the blisters and leave it on for about 20 minutes.
- Rinse it off with cool water.
This gentle healer can reduce swelling, redness, and itchiness associated with chickenpox.
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Hydration: The Universal Healer
It might sound overly simple, but drinking plenty of water and keeping the body hydrated accelerates the healing process of chickenpox.
- Drink at least 8 glasses of water daily.
- You can also consume fruit-infused water or herbal teas for added benefits.
- Keeping the skin hydrated helps reduce dryness, one of the main culprits behind itchiness.
Staying well-hydrated flushes out toxins, ensuring a quicker recovery from chickenpox.
Conclusion
Chickenpox, while usually not severe, can be an uncomfortable experience, especially due to its itchy nature. Thankfully, the remedies listed above can offer much-needed relief. Always ensure that while using these remedies, you’re also adhering to any medical advice provided by healthcare professionals. And remember, the key is to prevent scratching, as this can lead to scarring. With patience, the right care, and a blend of these natural remedies, you’ll be on your way to a chickenpox-free life in no time.
