You can probably remember when you were a child and it seemed like everyone in your grade school class took his or her turn being absent only to return with these strange-looking spots. The chicken pox is a condition that frequently manifests in young children; however, it can affect people of all ages. The most important thing, especially for adults who develop the illness, is effective treatment for the itching and other symptoms of the condition. While some conventional medications are available for the condition, most people only require home treatments, like oatmeal baths, calamine lotion, and nutritional supplements.
What Is Chicken Pox?
The chicken pox are caused by a viral infection. When you contract the infection, you develop an itchy, blister-like rash that can spread over your entire body. Chicken pox is highly contagious for people who have never had the disease, which is why many children are now being vaccinated against it.
The disease is typically mild but can be particularly uncomfortable – think bug bites or poison ivy “on steroids”…Anyway, common symptoms of the condition include fever, loss of appetite, headache, and tiredness. The blisters you develop with the chicken pox typically go through three stages: (1.) raised, red bumps, (2.) fluid-filled blisters, and (3.) crusts and scabs. New bumps appear for several days once you have developed the condition.
What Natural Cures Are Available for Chicken Pox?
For most individuals, the condition is generally mild, so people at low risk require little more than home remedies and treatments for the condition. However, people who are at a higher risk for complications like adults, newborns, and pregnant women, may require medical treatment to prevent complications. In any case, though, home remedies and natural treatments help ease the discomfort that is characteristic of the condition. Some of the natural cure treatments for chicken pox include oatmeal baths, calamine lotion, and various nutritional supplements for immune support.
1. Oatmeal Baths
Mayo Clinic suggests a calming bath in colloidal oatmeal for chicken pox sufferers. Colloidal oatmeal is a finely ground oatmeal that is made for soaking. The oatmeal has natural soothing properties and helps relieve itching and irritation of the skin. Draw a warm, not hot, bath and sprinkle the oatmeal in it. Soak for 10 to 15 minutes or as long as you like. Take a calming bath daily until the infection subsides.
2. Calamine Lotion
Kids Health recommends dabbing itchy sores with calamine lotion. This product contains anti-itch compounds that help relive itching and inflammation in the blisters and sores. Apply the lotion to the rash as needed by dabbing it on with a cotton ball. Avoid the face and eyes with the lotion, though.
3. Vitamin C
Medical professionals also recommend taking daily doses of immune boosting nutritional supplements, such as vitamin C. Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that helps eliminate infection and toxic material in the body. It also stimulates the function of your immune system.
4. Vitamin D
Recent research also suggests vitamin D is important for preventing the spread of the disease. While most of us avoid going outside when we are sick, you may want to consider going out and getting a little extra sun when you have the chicken pox. Sun exposure enables your body to produce vitamin D, which offers antiviral and immune-boosting benefits. Taking a daily supplement of vitamin D is one way to up your levels, but getting the natural benefit from the sun is even better.
5. Echinacea
Echinacea is an herbal remedy that offers immune-stabilizing properties. It helps promote your natural defenses and speeds recovery. Take 6-9 milliliters daily for the best immune-supporting benefits.
Read below for more natural cures for chicken pox suggested by our readers.
References:
Chickenpox - http://kidshealth.org/parent/infections/skin/chicken_pox.html#
Chickenpox - http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/ART03000/Chickenpox.html
Diseases and Conditions: Chickenpox - http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/chickenpox/basics/definition/con-20019025
Far Safer than Vaccines in Limiting Chickenpox Spread - http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/ archive/2012/01/09/far-safer-than-vaccines-in-limiting-chickenpox-spread.aspx
