At Home Relief for Chickenpox 

By CH Woods

Chickenpox is a type of viral contamination that brings about itchy rashes. 

This condition is extremely contagious, but only to those who have not had a vaccine for it or have never experienced the infection before. 

Before the days of the chickenpox vaccination, practically all people were infected before they became adults, at times with severe side effects. 

These days, the amount of cases has decreased significantly. For most of us, chickenpox is a minor illness. Nevertheless, it's far better to get vaccinated. The chickenpox vaccine is a risk-free and powerful way to protect against chickenpox and its complications.

Symptoms of Chickenpox : Chickenpox typically lasts around five to ten days. A rash is a sign of chickenpox.

Some other symptoms can include:

• Headaches
• Fatigue
• Fever
• Loss of Appetite
• Overall Weakness

The Three Phases of Chickenpox

1. Red or pink bumps that show up over many days
2. Blisters filled with fluid developing on the elevated lumps. The blister will crack and leak around a day after.
3. Scabs will begin to cover the blisters. They will take several days to a week to heal. Do not scratch them off or else you may cause scarring.

Brand new lumps will continue to keep appear for several days. It is possible that you might have all three phases of the rash simultaneously a day after the rash appears. Once you have chickenpox, you can start to spread the virus for as much as two days before the rash shows up and you can still spread the virus until all the spots begin to scab.

The condition is normally mild in those who are healthy. In serious cases, the rash can spread to throughout the entire body, causing bumps to appear in your eyes and throat.

The likelihood that you will catch chickenpox is greater if you:

• Did not receive a vaccination for chickenpox.
• Have not yet had chickenpox.
• Work in an environment with children who are prone to the infection.
• Have children of your own.

The majority of adults in the United State has received a chickenpox vaccination or is immune to the virus.

Complications of Chickenpox: Chickenpox is usually a harmless disease. However there are cases where the infection is severe which can cause complications like:

• Pneumonia
• Toxic Shock Syndrome - an acute, potentially fatal circulatory failure
• Encephalitis - Inflamed Brain
• Bacterial Infections in Your Blood, Bones, Skin, and Joints

Tips to Avoid Scratching 
Scratching bumps can result in skin damage and scarring. It will also increase the chances of infections, so if you or your child need help to stop the scratching, you should try: 

• Wearing gloves on your hands. This is especially helpful while you are sleeping to prevent unconscious scratching.
• Trimming your fingernails to lower the chances of breaking the blister.

Recommendations for Relief: Chickenpox rashes tend to be extremely itchy and when the blisters break that can be a bit painful as well. These problems, together with the symptoms like a fever, can be quite agonizing. 

To help find relief, you should try one of the methods below.

• Apply itch-relief cream to the blisters to prevent scratching and pain.
• Eat a diet of soft foods if the chickenpox has infected your mouth.
• Take a cool bath with oatmeal and baking soda added.

When to Visit Your Doctor 
If you believe that you have chickenpox, give your doctor a call. A medical professional can help you determine the best way to deal with it.
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CH Woods is the Executive Director of Organic and Environmental Products
We provide organic and natural products with informative articles on health and environmental solutions