Chicken Pox
Gone are the days where chicken pox was a common viral infection. Since introducing varicella shots into the children’s immunisation schedule, rates of infection have dropped dramatically. But even if your family has been immunised against chicken pox this doesn’t guarantee you full immunity. Be on the lookout for what a chicken pox rash looks like and what you can do to reduce the symptoms.
What is chicken pox?
Chicken pox (varicella) is a highly contagious infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus. This type of alpha herpes virus can also cause symptoms of shingles. It is transmitted by fluid droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes or by being in direct contact. A person with chicken pox is contagious a few days before the rash appears and until the last blister heals. The rash appears 10-21 days after exposure. Even though children are more susceptible to catching chicken pox, adults are more likely to have worse symptoms if they aren’t immune to the virus.
Symptoms of chicken pox
Common symptoms which are characteristic of chicken pox include:
- A rash that initially appears on the chest, back or face and moves to the rest of the body
- Intensely itchy rash that forms blisters surrounded by patches of inflamed skin
- Blisters which finally burst and start to crust over
- Fatigue and irritability
- Mild fever
Chicken pox dangers
Anyone taking long-term oral steroids or who is immunocompromised (has a weakened immune system e.g. due to chemotherapy), pregnant women or babies under three months should see a doctor if they could have been exposed to chickenpox, as they may need treatment to prevent the virus. These high-risk groups are more susceptible than the general population in developing any complications from chicken pox infection.
Encephalitis (brain inflammation) is a rare complication of chicken pox.
Home care strategies
Most people are unwell with chicken pox for around five to seven days. It is important to rest at home until the blisters have completely healed to prevent transmission to others. It is also advised to let the child’s school or day care know they have chicken pox so that these organisations can take appropriate measures to protect other children.
The following strategies aim for reduce the itch of the rash, provide comfort and boost the function of the immune system to fight off the virus effectively.
Skin lotions
Most people think of calamine lotion to soothe an itchy rash. If you are using this medicated cream, consider one containing zinc oxide to promote skin healing and reduce irritation.
Herbal creams that are traditionally used for itchy skin conditions include chamomile, calendula, chickweed and licorice.
Apply as often as needed to blistered skin, the advantage of these creams is that they also promote wound healing to avoid scarring.
Baths
A warm bath can help provide comfort to irritated skin. To reduce the itch consider adding baking soda, colloidal oatmeal or a few scoops of raw oats in a stocking. Avoid any harsh soaps or perfumed washes that will dry and aggravate the skin. If you find yourself scratching at the skin, consider wearing cotton gloves. To provide relief after a bath apply a cool, damp compress to the skin with a natural fabric such as cotton.
Hydration and diet
Allow adequate fluid intake by encouraging sips of water throughout the day. Soups, ice blocks, fresh juices, herbal teas and smoothies are other ways to keep hydrated. Encourage healthy foods during this time to support healthy immunity. If sores develop inside the mouth avoid acidic and salty foods that will sting and cause irritation.
Supplement support
Vitamin C and zinc
If you want to give your immune system an additional boost, consider taking a zinc and vitamin C supplement. These nutrients help to fight off viral infections such as chicken pox and provide additional skin support. The good news is these supplements are easy to get into kids and can be purchased as a great-tasting chewable or powder form.
Vitamins A and D
These are two fat-soluble, antioxidant vitamins which are important to provide protection against disease and infection. Unfortunately, these two nutrients are common deficiencies, even in children. We get vitamin A from liver, fish oils and eggs. In most cases we get beta-carotene from brightly coloured fruits and vegetables which then converts to vitamin A in the body.
Vitamin D is our sunshine vitamin, and we are meant to synthesize it in our skin from sunlight exposure. Again, this doesn’t always occur for some people—especially if you have an underlying condition such as psoriasis, heart disease or hay fever.
Antiviral herbs
Elderberry, echinacea, andrographis and St John’s wort are all anti-viral herbs. They can be used to reduce viral replication to aid in faster resolution of symptoms.
Although these herbs have no studies to verify their use in chicken pox, they have been traditionally used for to treat viral infections for centuries.
St John’s wort can interfere with the way certain medications work, double check with your naturopath or doctor before supplementing with this herb.
Lysine
Lysine is a good choice to help strengthen the bodies defences against the herpes family of viruses. It is an essential amino acid which means that we can’t manufacture it ourselves and must consumed in adequate amounts in the diet. Lysine can be taken as a supplement and is often found in formulas designed to target viral infections.
To summarise
- Chicken pox is the common name for the varicella-zoster virus that causes a very itchy skin rash
- Stay at home during the infectious period to avoid spreading the virus
- Symptoms can usually be managed at home with simple home care strategies
- Apply creams to reduce the itch and consider supplements to lessen the symptoms
References
- https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/chickenpox
- https://www.rch.org.au/kidsinfo/fact_sheets/Chickenpox_Varicella/
- Mills, S., & Bone, K. (2000). Principles and practice of phytotherapy: modern herbal medicine. Edinburgh, Churchill Livingstone.
- Shishkov S, et al. Complexes of zinc with picolinic and aspartic acids inactivate free varicella-zoster virions. Met Based Drugs. 1996;3(1):11-4 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18472788
- Avci Z, et al. Oxidant/antioxidant status and vitamin A levels in children infected with varicella. Acta Paediatr. 2008 Jul;97(7):948-51 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18430072
This article is for informational purposes only and does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Any information published on this website or by this brand is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. If you have any concerns or questions about your health you should consult with a health professional.