Chickenpox FAQ

Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. By providing the information contained herein we are not diagnosing, treating, curing, mitigating, or preventing any type of disease or medical condition. Before beginning any type of natural, integrative or conventional treatment regimen, it is advisable to seek the advice of a licensed healthcare professional. May contain affiliate links. Product photos/descriptions provided by company websites. This is not medical advice.

What causes it?

Chickenpox is a highly contagious disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV). The virus spreads mainly through close contact with someone who has chickenpox. A person with chickenpox is considered contagious beginning 1 to 2 days before rash onset until all the chickenpox lesions have crusted (scabbed). It takes about 2 weeks (from 10 to 21 days) after exposure to a person with chickenpox or shingles for someone to develop chickenpox. For most people, getting chickenpox once provides immunity for life.¹

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms may include a slight fever for 24 hrs followed by the eruption of a rash and a worsening of fever. Clusters of small, red, itchy spots evolve into fluid-filled blisters, which heal in 6-10 days. A child is infectious from just before the onset of fever until all the spots heal. Scratched spots may become infected and leave pockmarks. Most children recover completely, but the virus may lie dormant and be triggered in adulthood as shingles. If you suspect your child has chickenpox, see your healthcare provider within 24 hrs. If the temperature is still high two days after the rash appears, or your child is very ill/chesty, see your doctor within two hours due to risk of pneumonia.²

Prevention

The CDC recommends multiple vaccinations to prevent chickenpox, however be sure to read the manufacturer insert, especially the “limitation of effectiveness” section.

Additionally, the CDC states, “Try to keep fingernails trimmed short and minimize scratching to prevent the virus from spreading to others and to help prevent skin infections. If you do scratch a blister by accident, wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.”¹

Diagnosis

Typically chickenpox is diagnosed based on the rash, however it can be confirmed with lab tests.¹

Treatment

Per the CDC, do not use aspirin or aspirin-containing products to relieve fever from chickenpox. The use of aspirin in children with chickenpox has been associated with Reye’s syndrome, a severe disease that affects the liver and brain and can cause death.¹

Depending on the stage, here are some things to research:

First Stage

• Symptoms might include: sudden rise in temperature, hot/flush face with cold fingers/toes, possible staring eyes, sensitivity to noise and light, possible hallucinations/delirium.
• Try: lying on the front and lightly covered in a darkened room.
• Avoid: direct sunlight, jarring movements, lying with head lower than the body, and heat.
• Research: Belladonna 30c (homeopathic remedy) every 2 hrs up to 10 doses.

Chickenpox with Restlessness

• Symptoms might include: extremely itchy rash, fever, restlessness, and headache that develops from stiff neck.
• Try: changing position with continuous movement, add a little warmth with applying hot compresses especially to the head, and get into dry air. If child is scratching a lot, be sure to clip fingernails or use mittens on infants.
• Avoid: too much rest, cold and wet conditions, and drafty conditions.
• Research: Rhus tox 6c (homeopathic remedy) every 2 hrs up to 10 doses.

Chickenpox with Lack of Thirst During Fever

• Symptoms might include: lack of thirst despite high temp, typical rash, thick/bland/yellow discharge from the nose, chilliness but a desire for fresh air, tearfulness, tendency to cling to adult, self-pity, and great desire for attention and comfort.
• Try: getting into open air, applying cold compresses to itchy area, gentle movement, and extra support at twilight and early morning.
• Avoid: hot rooms and too much warmth.
• Research: Pulsatilla 6c (homeopathic remedy) every 2 hrs up to 10 doses.²

To Soothe Rash

Research rubbing organic honey or vitamin E on unbroken skin, dabbing a baking soda solution (1 tsp baking soda to 1 cup water), or an oatmeal bath (be sure the oats were not sprayed with glyphosate).¹

¹ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

² Natural Health Encyclopedia of Homeopathy by Dr. Andrew Lockie

Products to Research

Per the CDC, your healthcare provider may prescribe an antiviral medication within the first 24 hrs of a rash if you are at risk for serious illness. Be sure to read all manufacturer inserts prior to accepting any medical products.