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DESCRIPTION
Chicken pox is an infection that is caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV). VZV spreads in nasal discharge and in fluid from inside the chicken pox blisters. Chicken pox is very contagious, and 90 percent of people who are not immune will catch it when they are exposed. Epidemics are most common in the late winter and early spring, and children between ages five and ten account for half of all cases. Most common places of exposure to the virus occurs in daycare centers, schools, public areas (church, kids activities, public transportation (train, subway, buses), and doctor's offices (full of sick kids at any given time). Anyplace where you find a lot of children
Normally, chicken pox is a mild illness, but it can rarely cause serious complications, including pneumonia, encephalitis, and serious bacterial infections of chicken pox blisters.
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
Chicken pox is a viral infection (Varicella-zoster) that causes a blister-like (pimple-like) rash on the surface of the skin and mucous membranes. Chicken pox blisters usually appear first on the trunk and face, then spread to almost everywhere else on the body, including the scalp and penis, and inside the mouth, nose, ears, and vagina. Chicken pox blisters are about 5mm to 10mm (1/4 to 1/2 inch) wide, have a reddish base, and appear in crops over a two- to four-day period and are filled with fluid, looking like water blisters. Some persons have only a few blisters, while others have several hundred. As blisters itch and break, leaking fluid from the swollen areas of the skin, they form a crust. These eruptions continue in cycles, lasting from 3 days to one week. Scabs form from the blisters and crusts that are infectious and itchy, and scratching the blisters can lead to infection caused by staphylococcal or streptococcal bacteria, resulting in a "secondary" bacterial infection and scarring. Uncommonly, bleeding, called hemorrhagic varicella, may occur into the blisters. Once the scabs are gone, the individual is no longer infectious. Chicken pox usually runs its course in 2 weeks. Most children contract this childhood disease before the age of 9, but it can be a serious infection in newborns. Adults who contact the infection tend to have more severe cases than children do.
Some children have a fever, abdominal pain, or a vague "sick" feeling along with their skin blisters. These symptoms usually last for about three to five days, and fever stays in the range of 101°F to 103°F (37.8°C to 39.4°C).Younger children often have milder symptoms and fewer blisters than older children or adults.
Generally, chicken pox is a mild illness, but it can be deadly in persons who have leukemia or other diseases that weaken the immune system. Anyone with a weakened immune system may suffer a more severe bout of chickenpox and is more prone to other complications, including pneumonia, encephalitis, arthritis, inflammation of the testes (orchitis), certain kidney problems, and ulcerative gastritis.
Pregnant women exposed to chickenpox during the first 3 months of pregnancy may develop fetal varicella infection. The infection may result in abnormalities of multiple organ systems. Some complications of the infection include low birth weight, seizures, cataracts, and mental retardation. If the infection occurs during the last three weeks of the pregnancy, the infant may be born with a blister-like rash, fever, and pneumonia. Expectant mothers should avoid any possible exposure to children with chickenpox.
Usually a person has only one attack of chicken pox in his or her lifetime and generally afford lifetime immunity against the illness. Second attacks are possible, but rare. But the virus that causes chicken pox can stay dormant in the body and can cause a different type of skin eruption, called shingles, later in life as an adult. A person can contact chicken pox (but not shingles) from direct contact with a shingles rash.
PREVENTION
In 1995, a vaccine against chicken pox became available for the first time. Most allopathic health care providers recommend the vaccine for healthy children, adolescents, and adults. The vaccine has been shown to be 80% effective in preventing chicken pox. A small percentage of newly immunized people will develop a mild rash. Pregnant women and infants younger than 1 year should not be vaccinated.
Before vaccinating yourself or your child for chicken pox (or any other illness) investigate the pros and cons of vaccinations.
Center for Disease Control: Chickenpox Vaccine
CONTRAINDICATIONS FOR CHICKENPOX VACCINE
People should not get chickenpox vaccine if they have ever had a life-threatening allergic reaction to gelatin, the antibiotic neomycin, or (for those needing a second dose) a previous dose of chickenpox vaccine.
People who are moderately or severely ill at the time the injection is scheduled should usually wait until they recover before getting chickenpox vaccine.
Pregnant women should wait to get chickenpox vaccine until after they have given birth. Women should not get pregnant for 1 month after getting chicken pox vaccine.
People who recently had a transfusion or were given other blood products should ask their health care provider when they may get chickenpox vaccine.
Some people should check with their health care provider about whether they should get chickenpox vaccine, including anyone who:
- Has HIV/AIDS or another disease that affects the immune system.
- Is being treated with drugs that affect the immune system, such as steroids, for 2 weeks or longer.
- Has any kind of cancer.
- Is taking cancer treatment with x-rays or drugs.
Everyone considering the vaccine should make an informed decision over this very controversial medical method of disease control.
Most naturally-oriented parents choose to expose their toddler to school-age child to chickenpox and have it be a mild infection with lifelong immunity rather than using the vaccine, which may or may not be as effective, but may contain preservatives and other substances that they choose their child not to be exposed to.
INCUBATION
The incubation period for chicken pox is from 7 to 21 days after exposure, with most cases appearing between 14 and 17 days. If, for example, one child in a family breaks out with chicken pox picked up at school, his brothers and sisters will come down with chicken pox about two weeks later (I had four out of five of my children come down with chicken pox at the same time, the fifth child had already had chickenpox and was already immune to it - MoonDragon Midwife). The virus first manifests itself as a fever and a headache, 24 to 36 hours later, small round "pimples" appear on face and body.
DURATION OF INFECTION
Chicken pox usually lasts seven to 10 days in children, longer in adults.
CONTAGIOUSNESS
The contagious period for chicken pox begins two days before the skin blisters appear and lasts until all the blisters are crusted over. A child with chicken pox should be kept out of school for about one week. You don't have to wait until all the scabs fall off.
People with diseases or problems with their immune system should not come in contact with chicken pox. Neither should pregnant women and newborn babies.
HOME TREATMENT
Most home treatment is aimed at relieving the annoying itch of chicken pox and the accompanying fever and discomfort.
Relieve your child's skin itch by using cool, wet compresses or by giving baths in cool or lukewarm water every three to four hours for the first few days. Baking soda can be added to the water to calm itching. You may also soak in an oatmeal bath. Baths do not spread chicken pox. Pat (don't rub) the body dry. If the sores become infected, an antibiotic ointment is usually prescribed.
Calamine lotion is a commonly used over-the-counter remedy to help the itch. Trim your child's fingernails to help prevent scratching, which can lead to infections in broken blisters.
The chicken pox virus propagates in a medium of excess mucus. In the absence of such medium (mucus from excessive starches and sugars, etc.), the virus cannot exist. Dietary adjustments and systemic cleansing may be necessary. This can be done by giving the child a warm catnip tea enema if the child is having problems with taking herbal remedies by mouth. Herbal teas such as catnip and peppermint, pleurisy root and catnip, red raspberry leaf, and yarrow or pennyroyal, elder flowers and peppermint with vinegar and water will relieve the itching. Also bathe or sponge the skin with tea made of burdock root, golden seal and yellow dock root in case of severe itching.
Lots of fluids are to be consumed throughout the day -- fresh lemonade sweetened with honey (no sugars) is recommended with a diet of fruit, fruit juices, and vegetable juices. Do not give honey to a child under the age of one year as it can give the child Infant Botulism.
Sores in the genital area can be painful. Anesthetic creams that dull the pain can be applied. Ask your health care provider or pharmacist.
Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) or other oral antihistamine can also relieve itching. These medicines are available over-the-counter.
To reduce fever, use non-aspirin medications such as acetaminophen (Aspirin Free, Liquiprin, Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Aches-N-Pains, Advil, Motrin, Excedrin, Nuprin, and Pamprin are common bran names). Read the label before giving any medication. Some medications contain many agents. If the medicine is for a child, make sure it contains no aspirin. Aspirin should NOT be used in children with chicken pox or certain other viral illnesses since the use of aspirin in such cases has been associated with the development of Reye's syndrome.
Occasionally a child will develop blisters in the mouth, making eating or drinking painful. A person must continue to drink fluids to prevent dehydration. To alleviate pain, provide cold fluids (ice pops are one suggestion) and soft bland foods. Avoid foods that are spicy, hot, acidic (for instance, orange juice), or especially salty.
PRODUCTS TO HELP RELIEVE CHICKEN POX SYMPTOMS
DIETARY, HERBAL & HOLISTIC RECOMMENDATIONS
HERBS
Recommended herbs include burdock root, echinacea, ginger, goldenseal, pau d'arco, and St.Johnswort.
Catnip tea sweetened with molasses is good for fever, and can be given to infants and children as well as adults. For a child over the age of 2 years, catnip tea enemas can reduce fever.
For Bulk Herbs: See Mountain Rose Herbs (link near bottom of page, below). For bottled supplements (encapsulated, tinctures, extracts, etc.) from Herbal Remedies. I have provided a selection of herbal remedy choices. See links below:
BURDOCK ROOT: Burdock root is used as a blood purifier, liver tonic, and helps relieve skin disorders.
Burdock Root Tincture, 100% Organic, 2 fl. oz.
Burdock Root (Arctium lappa) Powder, 4 oz. Bulk
Burdock Root, Nature's Way, 540 mg, 100 Caps
ECHINACEA: Echinacea supports the immune system and helps to fight infections.
Echinacea Immune Support Tea, Yogi Tea, certified Organic, 16 Tea Bags
Echinacea Tincture for Children, Orange Flavor, Alcohol Free, 100% Organic, 1 fl. oz.
Echinacea Purpurea, Nature's Way, 400 mg, 100 Caps
GINGER: Ginger improves circulation, helps reduce high blood pressure, increases sweating and helps reduce fever, assists digestion.
Ginger Tea, Yogi Tea, 16 Tea Bags, Organic Digestive Aid
Ginger Blend Wellness Shots, California Natural, 4 oz.
Ginger Root (Zingiber officinale) Powder, 4 oz. Bulk
Ginger Root Crystallized Slices, 12 oz.
Ginger Root Tincture, 100% Organic, 2 fl. oz.
GOLDENSEAL: Helpful for fighting infections. Do not use if you are pregnant, have high blood pressure, or if you have allergies to ragweed. Keep out the reach of children.
Goldenseal Root Tincture (Hydrastis canadensis), 100% Organic, 2 fl. oz.
Goldenseal Herb, Nature's Way, 400 mg, 100 caps
PAU D'ARCO: Helpful for fighting infections, relieving pain, and treating skin problems.
Pau D'Arco Tea, Incan Purple Lapacho, 48 Tea Bags
Pau D'Arco Extract, 100% Natural Herbal, 4 fl. oz.
Pau D'Arco Tincture, 100% Organic, 2 fl. oz.
Pau D'Arco Bark (Tabebuia impetiginosa) Powder, 4 oz. Bulk
Pau D'Arco Inner Bark, Nature's Way, 545 mg, 100 Caps
ST. JOHNS WORT: Promotes and maintains a healthy emotional balance and mental well being. Lifts moods, eases tension, frustration and stress.
St. John's Wort Tea, Caffeine Free, Yogi Tea, 16 Tea Bags
St. John's Wort, Nature's Way, 350 mg, 180 Caps
St. John's Wort Tincture, Alcohol Free, 1 fl. oz.
CATNIP: Treatment for fevers, colds, cramps and headaches. Soothing for young children. Catnip is a midwife favorite for colic, soothing the baby and helping it to sleep. Rich in vitamin C and E, antioxidants and flavonoids. Used as a natural insect repellent. Nourishes the stomach and nerves, calming the nervous system and aids digestion. Eases symptoms of the flu, such as nausea and diarrhea.
Catnip Oil, 100% Pure Organic, 2 fl. oz.
Catnip Herb Tincture, 100% Organic, 2 fl. oz.
Catnip Herb, Nature's Way, 380 mg, 100 Caps
RECOMMENDATIONS
Drink freshly made juices with protein powder and brewer's yeast added. Also drink pure vegetable broth.
When the fever drops and the appetite returns, use a "starter diet" consisting of only mashed bananas, avocados, fresh raw applesauce, and/or yogurt. Do not use cooked or processed foods.
Do not give any cow's milk or formula to a feverish infant. Instead, use pure, freshly made juices that have been diluted with a combination of 4 ounces steam-distilled water and 100 to 1,000 mg of vitamin C for each 4 ounces of juice. Infants who are 6 months old or older can have almond or soy milk, available in health food stores. Give an sick infant lots of water to prevent dehydration. If you are breastfeeding, continue to breastfeed as often as possible.
Take care not to scratch the pocks. Keep a child's nails short and clean, and bathe the child often. Put mittens on a young child's hands if necessary. Use hot baths made with tea prepared with the recommended herbs, or ginger baths using cool water. Sponge the affected area with the tea. Wet compresses help to control the itching; use these often.
Keep infected children separated, and keep an infected child away from elderly people, newborn babies, and pregnant women who have not had chickenpox. Fetal exposure to chickenpox has been associated with an increased risk of birth defects.
Never give aspirin to a child who has a fever. Studies have shown an increased risk of Reye's Syndrome, a rare and potentially fatal disorder, in children given aspirin for fever.
If you are unlucky enough to contract chickenpox in adulthood, contact your health care provider. Use a fasting program to help speed recovery.
Unless otherwise specified, the dosages recommended for supplements are for adults. For a child between the ages of 12 and 17 years, reduce the dose to 3/4 the recommended amount. For a child between the ages of 6 and 12 years, use 1/2 the recommended dose. And for a child under the age of 6 years, use 1/4 the recommended amount.
Nutrients Supplement Suggested Dosage Comments Essential Natural beta-carotene
Or
Carotenoid complex15,000 IU daily.
As directed on label.Heals tissues and stimulates the immune system. Beta Carotene (Natural Dunaliella salina), Nature's Way, 100% Natural, 25,000 IU, 100 Softgels Vitamin A capsules
Or
EmulsionCapsules: 20,000 IU daily for 1 month, then 15,000 IU daily for 1 week.
Emulsion: 100,000 IU daily for 1 week, then 75,000 IU daily for 1 week.
Caution: If you are pregnant, do not exceed 10,000 IU daily.An important antioxidant. An immunostimulant that aids in healing of tissues. Vitamin A, 10,000 IU, Natural, Nature's Way, 100 Softgels Vitamin C 1,000 mg, 4 times daily. Powerful immune stimulant that aids in keeping down fever. Vitamin C 1000 with Bioflavonoids, Nature's Way, 100% Natural, 1000 mg, 250 Vcaps, Vitamin C Liquid for Baby & Children, 4 fl. oz., Vitamin C Liquid, with Rose Hips & Bioflavonoids, Kosher, Natural Citrus Flavor, 1000 mg, 16 fl. oz., Dynamic Health Important Potassium 99 mg daily. Helps reduce fever and speed healing. Potassium, 100% Natural, Nature's Way, 99 mg, 100 Caps Zinc 80 mg daily. Do not exceed a total of 100 mg daily from all supplements. Enhances immune function. Use zinc gluconate lozenges or Optizinc for best absorption. Zinc Lozenges w/Echinacea & Vitamin C, Nature's Way, 23 mg, 60 Lozenges, Zinc Ionic Mineral Supplement, Fully Absorbable, 100 +/- ppm, 16 fl. oz., Zinc (Chelated), 100% Natural, Nature's Way, 30 mg, 100 Caps Vitamin E 400-600 IU daily. A powerful free radical scavenger that increases oxygenation and promotes healing. Vitamin E, 400 IU, 100% Natural, NOW Foods, 100 Gels, Vitamin E Skin Cream, NOW Foods, 28,000 IU, 4 oz. Helpful Multi-vitamin and mineral complex As directed on label. All nutrients are necessary in balance and help speed the healing process. Alive! Whole Food Energizer, Multi-Vitamin & Mineral with Naturally Occurring Iron (No Iron Added), Nature's Way, 90 Tabs Maitake
Or
Shiitake
Or
ReishiAs directed on label. Mushrooms with immune stimulating and antiviral properties. Shiitake & Maitake Extract (Standardized), 200 mg, 60 Caps, Three Mushroom Tincture, Red Reishi, Shiitake & Maitake Mushroom Extracts, 100% Organic, 2 fl. oz. Raw thymus As directed on label. Stimulates the production of T lymphocytes by the thymus gland. Needed for immune function. Thymus Organic Glandular (Hypoallergenic), Allergy Research Group / Nutricology, 75 Caps
CHICKENPOX SUPPLEMENTAL PRODUCTS
Supplements and information for help with Chickenpox.
Natural Aspirin Alternative, 390 mg, White Willow Bark Extract, 60 Tabs
Used to treat bursitis, tendonitis, headaches, osteoarthritis, dysmenorrhea, rheumatoid arthritis, back pain, toothache, and menstrual cramps, White Willow is being used by more people as a safer, natural alternative to aspirin. Do not give aspirin to children with Chickenpox.Vitamin C 1000 with Bioflavonoids, Nature's Way, 100% Natural, 1000 mg, 250 Vcaps
Nature's Way Vitamin C with Bioflavonoids provides antioxidant protection for many of the body's important enzyme systems.Pain Formula Tincture, 100% Organic, 2 fl. oz.
Use the Pain Formula to alleviate pain naturally.Astaxanthin, 100% Natural, NOW Foods, 4 mg, 60 Softgels
Astaxanthin is a naturally occurring carotenoid that is closely related to Beta-Carotene and Lutein. Because of its unique structure, Astaxanthin provides a wide range of antioxidant benefits.Vitamin A, 10,000 IU, Natural, Nature's Way, 100 Softgels
Nature's Way Vitamin A is an important nutrient in maintaining cell membrane integrity. It also plays an important role in proper bone formation, reproduction and vision.Potassium, 100% Natural, Nature's Way, 99 mg, 100 Caps
Potassium is a key nutrient in maintaining the electrolyte balance I important for regulating heart and muscle contraction. It also plays an important roll in maintaining proper fluid exchange.Zinc Lozenges w/Echinacea & Vitamin C, Nature's Way, 23 mg, 60 Lozenges
Nature's Way Zinc lozenge boosts cold season defense with zinc, widely recognized as an important nutritional support during the cold season, and echinacea pupurea, clinically shown to support the immune system, and Vitamin C, a vitally important vitamin for general health maintenance.Shiitake & Maitake Extract (Standardized), 200 mg, 60 Caps
Nature's Way Shiitake and Maitake extract is formulated in a base of Oat powder standardized to a total of 8 % beta glucan, the polysaccharide to which most of the health benefits are attributed.Comfrey Leaf / Herb, Skin Poultice, 2.5 oz.
Abscesses, Bed Sores, Blood Poisoning, Breasts - Sore Nipples, Bruises, Burns, Chicken Pox, Cuts, Disinfectant, Gangrene, Infection, Open Sores And Ulcers, Swelling, Ulcers, Wounds.Myrrh Herbal Poultice with Comfrey Leaf, All Natural, 2.5 oz.
Used for Bed Sores, Chicken Pox, Cuts, Disinfectant, and Skin Eruptions.Three Mushroom Tincture, Red Reishi, Shiitake & Maitake Mushroom Extracts, 100% Organic, 2 fl. oz.
Three Mushroom Liquid Tincture supplement contains Red Reishi, Shiitake and Maitake Mushroom Extracts.Alive! Whole Food Energizer, Multi-Vitamin & Mineral with Naturally Occurring Iron (No Iron Added), Nature's Way, 90 Tabs
No other supplement contains more life-giving nutrients than Nature's Way ALIVE! It is better absorbed into your blood stream because its tablets disintegrate up to 5X faster than other leading brands.
PROFESSIONAL TREATMENT
Antibiotics are not prescribed to treat a chicken pox infection because it is caused by a virus. Antibiotics may be used if the child develops a secondary infection caused by a bacteria. Children (and others) who develop varicella AND are "immunocompromised" may be treated with an antiviral medicine known as acyclovir. "Immunocompromised" means the body's immune system, which fights infectious illnesses, is in some way damaged. Conditions that may cause a person to be immunocompromised include having AIDS and some cancers, being on steroids, and having certain chronic lung conditions.
For people with severe infections, an antiviral agent called acyclovir (Zovirax) has been shown to shorten the duration and severity of symptoms if given soon after the onset of the rash. Acyclovir may be given by mouth or by IV to help people at risk for severe infection.
WHEN TO CALL YOUR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER
Most chicken pox infections require no special medical treatment. If you are uncertain about the diagnosis, have a question, or if there seems to be a complication, call your health care provider. Your health care provider can guide you in watching for complications and in helping you choose locally available medication to help relieve your child's itching.
Call your child's health care provider immediately if your child seems particularly ill, is difficult to awaken or is confused, has trouble walking, has a stiff neck, is vomiting repeatedly, or has difficulty breathing or severe cough. In addition, any seizures or high fever accompanied by headache and vomiting need prompt emergency evaluation. Go to hospital's emergency room immediately.
Also call your health care provider immediately if fever rises above 103°F (39.4°C), especially if your child also has a severe headache, has trouble looking at bright lights, or is unusually drowsy or hard to awaken.
Call your health care provider if there are signs that skin blisters are infected; the area around the blisters is swollen, red or increasingly painful; or blisters are leaking pus (thick, yellow or green discolored fluid); or have red streaking extending from the site; or if a rash occurs involving the eye.
Call your health care provider if continued dehydration occurs from vomiting, or decreased fluid intake.
EXAMS AND TESTS
A health care provider usually bases a chickenpox diagnosis on clinical history and physical findings. However, laboratory exams can be useful. Blisters contain defense-fighting cells called polymorphonuclear leukocytes. Your health care provider can test blister fluid. If the blisters are infected with bacteria, the health care provider may take a bacterial culture to help determine which antibiotics may be needed.
PROGNOSIS (OUTLOOK)
Young healthy children recover fully. However, 50 to 100 people die each year among the 3 to 4 million cases of reported chicken pox. The disease most affects infants (younger than 3 months), adolescents, adults, and people who have a weakened immune system (from illnesses such as leukemia or HIV/AIDS). Health care providers may consider these people for treatment with acyclovir.
NOTE: Bulk herbs are available through Mountain Rose Herbs. Tinctures, extracts, salves, nutritional supplements and other helpful items are available through Herbal Remedies.com.
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