Chicken Pox

This is for informational purposes only, and is not medical advice. Always consult with your provider.

Which are Chicken Pox?

Chickenpox is a highly contagious viral infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus. It usually causes an itchy rash with fluid-filled blisters, along with fever, fatigue, and sometimes headache or low appetite. The rash often starts on the chest, back, or face and spreads. 

A chickenpox rash typically starts as itchy, red spots on the face and trunk, progressing over 1-2 weeks into fluid-filled blisters that scab over. The rash appears in waves, often showing spots, blisters, and scabs simultaneously, spreading to the whole body.

Who's At Risk?

Chickenpox is usually mild in healthy children, but it can be much more serious in adults, children with weakened immune systems, and people living with HIV, with a higher risk of complications such as pneumonia or encephalitis.

Pregnant women who get chickenpox have a greater chance of serious complications, including pneumonia. The infection can also affect the developing baby and has been linked to problems such as birth defects, low birth weight, or preterm birth, which is why avoiding exposure is especially important for anyone who is not immune.

Chickenpox and Immunity

Natural chickenpox infection does usually provide immunity against getting chickenpox again, but a common misconception is that this means the virus is completely gone from the body. In reality, the varicella-zoster virus can remain dormant in nerve tissue after recovery and reactivate later in life as shingles. Shingles is not a new infection, but a reactivation of the same virus, and it typically causes a painful, blistering rash that often appears on one side of the body and can sometimes lead to lingering nerve pain.

Conventional Treatments

Healthy people generally do not require a specific antiviral treatment. These cases are most often managed with at-home supportive care. For those at higher risk of severe illness, including adults, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems, a treatment such as acyclovir or varicella-zoster immune globulin may be prescribed to help lessen the severity or shorten the course of infection. 

Post-exposure prevention using the varicella vaccine can help stop chickenpox from developing or reduce how severe it becomes if the vaccine is given within about 3–5 days after exposure. Research suggests this approach is about 70% to 100% effective and can be used in people older than 12 months who do not already have immunity. If the exposure does not lead to infection, the vaccine still provides protection against chickenpox in the future.

Natural Chickenpox Treatments

Witch Hazel: contains natural astringent and anti-inflammatory compounds that calm irritated skin and reduce itching. Its mild drying effect may also help dry out the blisters and support healing.

Oatmeal Baths / Oatmeal Lotion: Oatmeal baths or oatmeal lotions help soothe chickenpox because oatmeal contains anti-inflammatory compounds and skin-protective polysaccharides that calm irritation and reduce itching. It also forms a protective barrier on the skin, which helps lock in moisture and relieve discomfort from the rash.

• 1c for older kids, ⅓c for babies. Either grind into a fine powder so it dissolved in the water, or place in a muslin bag or pantyhose so it doesn’t clog the drain. 

Baking Soda Bath: baking soda has mild soothing properties that can calm irritated skin and help dry out blisters. It can also be added to an oatmeal bath.

• A common combo is 1 c oats and ½ - 1 c baking soda

Chamomile Compress: Steep two to three chamomile tea bags and let the tea cool, or add it to a warm bath. Soak soft cotton pads or a washcloth in the tea and gently place it on itchy areas of skin. When finished, lightly pat the skin dry.

Calendula Cream: contains compounds with anti-inflammatory and skin-calming properties that can reduce irritation and itching. It has also been traditionally used to support wound healing and skin repair, which may help comfort the rash as the blisters heal.

Topical Zinc Oxide: may help soothe chickenpox because it has mild anti-inflammatory and skin-protective properties. It forms a protective barrier on the skin that can reduce irritation and help protect blisters while they heal.

Weleda’s diaper cream is a great option. It contains zinc, calendula, and chamomile. 

Natural Treatments for Pain Relief

If the sores spread to inside the mouth popsicles and manuka honey are great soothing options. 

Manuka honey is antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory and can support healing. It’s thick texture can coat and protect irritated tissue, and create a soothing barrier over the sores. 

Homeopathy

In homeopathy, the most commonly recommended remedy for chickenpox is Rhus toxicodendron. It’s typically used when the rash is very itchy, blister-like, and the discomfort feels better with movement or warm applications.

Other remedies sometimes used depending on symptoms include:

• Antimonium tartaricum: when lesions are slow to come out and the person seems more lethargic

• Belladonna: for high fever with flushed skin early on

• Pulsatilla: for milder cases with a more emotional, clingy presentation

Homeopathy is highly individualized, so the “best” remedy depends on the full symptom picture, not just the diagnosis.

Immune Support

How to dose with a FNP

Vitamin C - The Front Line Fighter 

A powerful antioxidant that protects immune cells from damage caused by free radicals, and enhances the function of white blood cells responsible for attacking pathogens. 

Vitamin D - The Immune Regulator 

Prevents excess inflammation and supports the activation of T-cells, the immune cells that target infected cells. 

Zinc - Infection Fighter & Repair Specialist 

Zinc possesses direct antiviral Properties. It helps wound healing, enzyme function, and supports the production and activation of immune cells.

Magnesium - Inflammation Modulator 

Magnesium helps regulate inflammation and supports the activity of natural killer cells and white blood cells. It is estimated that between 48-60% of Americans are magnesium deficient. 

Vaccine Considerations

I do not give “yes” or “no” vaccine content on my page, and typically steer away from the subject as a whole unless someone wants to speak privately. But I agree whole-heartedly with Dr. Green mom’s take on this vaccine.