Chickenpox is a contagious, common viral infection characterized by fluid-filled blisters that appear first on the trunk and then spread to the rest of the body. There is headache, fever, and fatigue. As the spots progress, they become very itchy and then dry up and form a scab. The incubation period is ten to fourteen days, and suffer­ers are contagious from just before the spots appear.

Herbalism

• Tincture of comfrey or elderflower can be applied directly to the spots to encourage healing and to relieve the itching.
• Add burdock tea to your child’s bath.
• Crush peppermint leaves and apply directly to spots to relieve symptoms.

Homeopathy

• The nosode Variolinum can be taken once in an epidemic of chickenpox, before your child acquires the illness, and symptoms should be less severe.
• Rhus tox. can be taken for a few days after contact with an infected child, and then again as soon as the first spots appear.
• Aconite is useful in the early stages of the illness. » Belladonna is useful for fever.

Flower essences

• Chicory, Hornbeam, and Cherry Plum are usually suggested to help relieve some of the discomfort.
• Impatiens can ease irritability.
• Crab apple may be diluted and applied directly to the spots to encourage healing.

Aromatherapy

• Essential oil of lavender can be dabbed directly on spots to ease the itching and encourage healing. Lavender also has an antibacterial action, which will help prevent a secondary infection.
• A few drops of Roman chamomile can be used in the bath to soothe.

From the larder

• Eat plenty of fruit and vegetables and drink raw vegetable juices in order to help cleanse the body, which will reduce the severity of the condition.

Self-help

• Cool the itchy spots with cold compresses and make your child comfortable.
• Try to encourage your child not to scratch the spots, which can lead to bacterial infection and scarring.
• Cotton garments should be worn next to the skin.

CAUTION
When fever lasts for more than a couple of days, or there is an obvious chest infection accompanying the rash, see your physician. Very rarely, chickenpox pneumonia can occur as a secondary infection.