11 Natural and Medical Cures for Chickenpox in Children

From oatmeal to calamine ointment, here are various traditional and medical chickenpox remedies that can be given to children.

1. Oatmeal

 

The first natural remedy for chickenpox is a bath with oatmeal. This food ingredient is believed to relieve the itchy symptoms that are often felt by sufferers.

Moreover, this remedy for chickenpox in children can prevent the spread of the disease to other areas of the body’s skin.

Using oatmeal as a chickenpox medicine for children is also quite easy. Prepare one cup of oatmeal, then blend it until the texture is smooth.

Next, prepare warm water in the bathtub and sprinkle the mashed oatmeal powder. Invite your child to soak in it for 20 minutes.

In addition, you can also directly apply oatmeal lotion to the parts of the child’s skin that are itchy due to chickenpox.

2. Baking soda

 

Just like oatmeal, baking soda is also believed to be a natural remedy for chickenpox that can relieve the symptoms of itching in sufferers.

Mix one cup of baking soda into a bathtub filled with warm water, then invite your child to soak in it for 15-20 minutes.

If this traditional chickenpox remedy is effective in relieving itching symptoms, you can use it three times a day.

3. Chamomile tea

 

The next natural remedy for chickenpox is chamomile tea. Apart from drinking it, chamomile tea bags can be put into a warm bath.

Chamomile tea is believed to relieve itching caused by chickenpox because it contains anti-inflammatory and antibacterial compounds.

4. Cold compress

Cold compresses are another natural remedy for chickenpox that is worth trying.

You can place a cold compress on the part of your child’s skin that is itchy from chickenpox.

This method is believed to be effective in relieving the itchiness.

5. Sweets that don’t contain sugar

Sugarless candy can also be used as a natural remedy for chickenpox, specifically to relieve symptoms that occur in the mouth.

The reason is, chickenpox can cause pain in the mouth if not treated.

Sucking candies that do not contain sugar is considered to be able to relieve the pain caused by chickenpox in the mouth.

In addition, saliva production will also increase so that children can get plenty of fluids and avoid dehydration.

6. Honey

Smallpox pain in children is considered to be relieved by honey. According to a research, honey has the ability to fight the varicella-zoster virus.

Although honey has many benefits, you should not give this herbal remedy for chickenpox to children under 12 months old because of the risk of causing botulism.

7. Popsicle

Popsicle is an ice lolly-like snack. Not many people know that this food can be used as a medicine for chickenpox in children.

Especially, if your little one experiences pain and itching in the mouth. Sucking on a popsicle is believed to relieve these symptoms.

You can make your own healthy, low-sugar popsicles by freezing fruits.

8. Aloe vera

Aloe vera can also be used as one of the ways to treat chickenpox in children thanks to its anti-inflammatory compounds.

This plant has a gel that can create a soothing effect while relieving itching and inflammation on the skin.

To try this cure for chickenpox in toddlers or children, you only need to take the gel from inside the aloe vera, then apply it to the chickenpox rash on the child’s skin.

This traditional way of treating chickenpox in children can be done 2-3 times per day.

9. Painkillers

Painkillers, such as acetaminophen, can manage the high fever and pain experienced by people with chickenpox.

However, parents need to pay attention to the instructions for use and the correct dosage when giving them to children.

Avoid painkillers such as aspirin as they can trigger dangerous complications.

Also, avoid giving ibuprofen when your child has chickenpox. This is because the drug is considered to increase the risk of strep throat.

Before giving any medication to your child, including acetaminophen, you should first consult with your doctor to avoid side effects.

10. Antiviral drugs

Your doctor may also prescribe antiviral medications if your child has complications from the varicella virus or is at risk of developing its side effects.

These high-risk groups include children, adults, or those with certain medical problems.

It is important to understand that antiviral medications do not cure chickenpox, but they are believed to reduce the severity of symptoms and slow down the activity of the virus.

They also allow the child’s immune system to recover faster.

Again, consult your doctor before giving antiviral drugs to your child to find out the recommended usage and dosage.

11. Calamine ointment

One of the chickenpox ointments for babies or children is calamine. You don’t need to worry as the use of calamine ointment is considered safe for most babies.

This ointment can help relieve itching, eczema or other skin problems.

Other than ointments, some of you may also be wondering: are there any antibiotics for chickenpox?

Actually, chickenpox cannot be cured with antibiotics. This is because this condition is caused by a virus.

However, there are also cases of chickenpox that can cause secondary or advanced bacterial infections.

If this happens, doctors usually give antibiotics to treat the bacterial infection.

How to prevent chickenpox in children

The first step to prevent chickenpox in children is to get the varicella vaccine early on, at least twice.

You don’t need to worry because the varicella vaccine is proven to be safe and effective in preventing chickenpox in children.

In fact, most people who have received the varicella vaccine will generally not suffer from chickenpox.

If a child who has received the varicella vaccine develops chickenpox, the symptoms are generally milder (only red spots) without fever.

When to see a doctor?

Keep in mind, the various ways to treat chickenpox in children naturally cannot be used as the main treatment for chickenpox in children.

Therefore, you should consult a doctor to get the right treatment for your child.

In addition, if some of the following things happen, immediately consult a doctor to get the right treatment.

If the child is under 1 year old and has chickenpox.

If the child has a weak immune system.

When the child has a high fever and the body temperature reaches 39 degrees Celsius.

If the child feels confused, has difficulty breathing, has a bleeding rash, or stiff neck.

Note from SehatQ:

The various natural remedies for chickenpox above are not necessary if you can prevent it early.

Make sure your child gets the varicella vaccine to protect against chickenpox. If they are ever infected with the varicella-zoster virus, the symptoms will not be as severe.

Also, you should consult your doctor before trying any of the above natural remedies for chickenpox on your child.

Also, discuss the right way to treat chickenpox in children so as not to cause harmful side effects.