Cart is emptyChickenpox is a common viral infection that causes itchy rashes, red spots, and blisters all over the body. It mainly affects children, but it can happen to adults too. While it usually gets better on its own, the itching and discomfort can be hard to handle.
That’s where home remedies can help give relief and speed up healing. These remedies are simple, natural, and made with things often found at home. From cool oatmeal baths to soothing neem leaves, each method helps ease the symptoms and prevents skin from getting worse.
Staying hydrated, keeping the skin clean, and avoiding scratching are also important for a faster recovery.
Recommended Reading: Chickenpox In Adults: Symptoms, Risks, And Treatment Options
Top 5 Home Remedies For Chickenpox (For Fast Recovery)
Table Of Contents
Recommended Reading: Chickenpox Rash: How It Starts, Stages, And How To Confirm It’s Not Something Else
What Are Home Remedies for Chickenpox?
Chickenpox can be tough, especially with the constant itching, rashes, and discomfort. While it usually goes away on its own, some natural home remedies can make the healing process easier and help you feel better. These remedies help reduce itching, soothe the skin, speed up healing, and lower the chance of scars or infections.
Home Remedies for Chickenpox
| Remedy | What Is It? | How to Use It | Benefits | Possible Side Effects / Precautions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Oatmeal Bath | Ground oats added to bath water | Blend oats into powder, mix in lukewarm bath, soak 15–20 mins | Soothes itching, calms skin, reduces redness | Don’t use hot water (it can irritate skin); use clean towels after bath |
| 2. Calamine Lotion | Skin-calming pink lotion | Dab gently over rashes using cotton, 2–3 times a day | Dries blisters, reduces itch, and protects skin | Avoid open or bleeding wounds |
| 3. Baking Soda (Bath or Paste) | White kitchen powder with skin benefits | Add ½ cup to bathwater or make a paste with water and apply it on spots | Neutralizes itch, calms rash, and helps dry blisters | Don’t overuse paste—it can dry out skin too much |
| 4. Honey | Natural sweet substance with healing power | Apply raw honey on affected skin, leave for 20–30 mins, rinse | Antibacterial helps heal and reduce scars | Not for broken skin; avoid in babies under 1 year |
| 5. Cold Compresses | Clean, cool, wet cloth | Place gently on itchy areas for 10–15 mins | Reduces swelling and itch fast | Don’t use ice directly on skin |
| 6. Chamomile Tea Compress | Herbal tea made from chamomile flowers | Brew tea, let it cool, soak the cloth, place on itchy spots | Calms skin, soothes irritation, smells relaxing | Test a small area first (some may be sensitive to herbs) |
| 7. Neem Leaves | Leaves from the neem tree, known in herbal medicine | Add to bathwater or make a paste to apply to the rash | Strong anti-viral, reduces itching & inflammation | It might dry out the skin if overused |
| 8. Aloe Vera Gel | Cooling gel from the aloe plant | Apply fresh gel directly on the rash | Moisturizes, heals, and cools hot rashes | Use natural gel only—avoid gels with alcohol |
| 9. Hydration (Water & Juices) | Fluids to keep the body cool and healthy | Drink 8–10 glasses of water, add fresh juice or coconut water | Prevents dehydration, supports recovery | Avoid sugary drinks or soda |
| 10. Bland, Cold Foods | Soft and non-spicy foods | Eat yogurt, bananas, porridge, soup, and cucumbers | Easy on mouth sores, helps stay nourished | Avoid salty, spicy, or crunchy foods |
| 11. Sugar-Free Popsicles | Ice-cold treats without sugar | Eat slowly to cool mouth sores | Helps ease throat pain, keeps kids hydrated | Avoid ones with added sugar or artificial colors |
| 12. Fingernail Care | Trimming nails short | Cut nails short and keep hands clean | Prevents scratching and skin infection | Always clean your nails properly to avoid bacteria |
| 13. Antihistamines (Oral) | Over-the-counter allergy medicines | Take as directed; ask doctor before use (esp. for kids) | Reduces severe itching when the lotion isn’t enough | Can cause drowsiness; don’t give to children without medical advice |
| 14. Essential Oils (Like Tea Tree, Lavender) | Natural plant oils | Mix with carrier oil and apply lightly to the skin | Helps with itch, infection, and healing | Always dilute before applying; not safe for babies |
| 15. Acetaminophen (Paracetamol) | Fever-reducing medicine | Use for high fever or body pain (as per dosage) | Helps lower fever, gives relief from discomfort | Avoid giving aspirin to children (risk of Reye’s syndrome) |
| 16. Witch Hazel | Herbal astringent liquid | Apply lightly using cotton on the rash | Cools skin, reduces swelling, and itch | Choose an alcohol-free version to avoid drying |
| 17. Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) | Sour liquid from apples | Mix a small amount in bathwater or apply diluted on skin | Dries blisters, calms the itch | Must dilute properly; too strong can sting |
| 18. Coconut Oil | Natural oil from coconut | Apply a small amount to healing skin | Fades scars, keeps skin soft | Avoid overuse on fresh blisters |
| 19. Sandalwood Paste | Fragrant herbal paste | Apply lightly to the rash and wash off after 15–20 mins | Reduces inflammation, cools skin | Make sure it’s pure and not mixed with chemicals |
| 20. Turmeric Milk | Warm milk with turmeric | Drink at night before sleep | Boosts immunity, supports internal healing | Not suitable if allergic to dairy or turmeric |
Recommended Reading: 7 Best Antibiotics For Chickenpox (For Fast Recovery)
Uses of Home Remedies for Chickenpox
- Oatmeal Bath
➤ Relieves itching and calms the skin
➤ Add finely ground oats to warm water and soak for 15–20 minutes - Baking Soda Paste or Bath
➤ Reduces itching and helps dry blisters
➤ Mix with water to make a paste or add ½ cup to bathwater - Honey Application
➤ Fights infection and heals skin
➤ Apply raw honey directly on blisters to reduce redness and swelling - Neem Leaves (Indian Lilac)
➤ Kills germs and helps blisters heal
➤ Use as a paste or add leaves to bath for full-body relief - Aloe Vera Gel
➤ Cools the skin and speeds recovery
➤ Apply fresh aloe gel on rashes 2–3 times a day - Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) Bath
➤ Soothes itching and dries blisters
➤ Add 1 cup ACV to lukewarm water and soak for 10 mins - Coconut Oil
➤ Keeps skin soft and fades scars
➤ Gently apply on healing or dry scabs - Chamomile Tea Compress
➤ Calms irritation and reduces swelling
➤ Soak cloth in cool chamomile tea and dab on rashes - Sandalwood Paste
➤ Soothes itch and prevents marks
➤ Mix powder with water and apply as a cooling paste - Turmeric (Milk or Paste)
➤ Builds immunity and helps healing
➤ Drink turmeric milk or apply paste on spots
Benefits of Using Home Remedies for Chickenpox
- Soothes Itching & Irritation
Oatmeal baths, baking soda, and calamine lotion calm the skin and give fast relief from itch. - Heals Blisters Faster
Honey, turmeric, and neem help dry out blisters and speed up skin healing. - Prevents Scarring
Coconut oil, aloe vera, and vitamin E moisturize the skin and reduce the chance of marks. - Natural & Chemical-Free
These remedies use no harsh chemicals, making them safe for kids and sensitive skin. - Lowers Infection Risk
Neem, honey, and apple cider vinegar kill germs and help prevent skin infections from scratching. - Reduces Pain & Swelling
Cold compresses, chamomile tea, and aloe vera ease burning and reduce inflammation. - Boosts Immunity
Herbal teas, turmeric milk, and healthy foods support your immune system to fight the virus. - Affordable & Easy to Use
Most home remedies need only basic kitchen items—no costly medicines needed. - Helps with Fever & Body Aches
Cool baths and herbal teas like peppermint or tulsi lower fever and relieve body pain. - Safe for Sensitive Skin
Natural options like aloe vera and coconut oil are gentle and don’t cause irritation.
Possible Side Effects of Home Remedies for Chickenpox
- Skin Irritation or Allergy
➤ Neem, honey, or essential oils may cause itching, redness, or rash if your skin is sensitive. - Dry or Burning Skin
➤ Using undiluted apple cider vinegar (ACV) or too much baking soda can dry out skin or cause a burning feel. - Slower Healing
➤ Using turmeric or sandalwood paste on open blisters may delay healing if not applied carefully. - Infection Risk
➤ Raw or unclean items like honey or homemade pastes can bring germs if used on broken skin. - Staining
➤ Turmeric and neem may leave yellow or green stains on skin or clothes temporarily. - Stomach Problems
➤ Drinking too much herbal tea, turmeric milk, or ACV can cause nausea or stomach aches. - Worsened Blisters
➤ Scrubbing skin with oatmeal or pastes can break blisters, leading to more pain or infection. - Eye Irritation
➤ If vinegar or oils get near the eyes, it may cause burning or watering. - Clogged Pores
➤ Using too much coconut oil may block pores if the skin doesn’t absorb it well. - Ignoring Serious Symptoms
➤ Only using home remedies can delay real treatment if the fever gets high or infection develops.
Serious Side Effects
- Breathing Problems – Strong oils like peppermint or eucalyptus may cause trouble in kids
- Sunburn Risk – Some natural items, like citrus juice, can make skin more sun-sensitive
- False Safety – Just because it’s “natural” doesn’t mean it’s always safe
When to See a Doctor
- Fever over 102°F (39°C)
➤ If the fever stays high and doesn’t get better, seek medical help. - Infected Blisters
➤ Look out for pus, swelling, deep redness, or heat around blisters — signs of infection. - Symptoms Getting Worse
➤ If your condition is not better after 5–7 days, it’s time to see a doctor. - Trouble Breathing or Extreme Tiredness
➤ If you feel very weak or have shortness of breath, don’t wait — get checked.
Tips for Fast Recovery & Daily Care
- Keep Skin Cool & Dry
➤ Avoid heat and sweating — it can make itching worse. - Eat Light, Soft Foods
➤ If you have blisters in your mouth, skip spicy or hot foods to avoid pain. - Stay Indoors
➤ Rest at home to avoid spreading the virus to others. - Change Clothes & Bedsheets Often
➤ Use clean, soft clothes and fresh bedsheets to keep skin safe and prevent infection. - Keep the Mind Busy
➤ Help kids stay distracted with books, drawing, or soft music — it reduces scratching.
FAQs
How do you speed up the healing of chickenpox?
To speed up the healing of chickenpox, it’s essential to keep the skin cool and moisturized. Use natural remedies like oatmeal baths, aloe vera, or coconut oil to soothe the skin. Avoid scratching as it can cause scarring and infection. Eating immune-boosting foods like fruits, vegetables, and turmeric milk can also help the body fight off the virus faster.
How to get rid of chickenpox spots fast?
Chickenpox spots can fade faster if you don’t scratch them. Applying moisturizing lotions or vitamin E oil can help reduce scarring. Use natural remedies like honey and turmeric paste to speed up healing. Regular cool baths with baking soda or colloidal oatmeal can also calm the skin and help the spots dry faster.
Can chickenpox clear up in 3 days?
Typically, chickenpox takes about 7 to 10 days to heal completely, but the early stages of the rash may improve within 3 days. Some people may experience faster recovery if they take proper care, but the rash often continues to form and crust over for a few days.
What can I drink to stop chickenpox?
Drinking lots of water is crucial to stay hydrated and support recovery. Herbal teas like peppermint, chamomile, or basil tea can soothe the body and boost immunity. Turmeric milk also helps, as it has anti-inflammatory properties that support healing. Avoid sugary or acidic drinks that may irritate your skin.
Can you speed up chickenpox recovery?
Yes, you can speed up recovery by staying hydrated, using cool compresses on your skin, and applying soothing remedies like aloe vera and coconut oil. Eating immune-boosting foods and getting plenty of rest will also help your body recover faster. Avoid scratching, as it can slow healing and cause scarring.
What to eat during chickenpox?
While having chickenpox, it’s best to eat foods that are soft, cool, and easy to swallow, like yogurt, soups, and boiled vegetables. Cold fruits like watermelon and cucumbers can also provide hydration. Avoid spicy, hot, or acidic foods that can irritate mouth sores or the skin.
What kills chickenpox faster?
There’s no quick cure for chickenpox, but you can help reduce symptoms and speed up healing with soothing baths, proper hydration, and immune-boosting foods. Remedies like turmeric, honey, and aloe vera can support faster recovery by calming the skin and promoting healing.
How to fill chickenpox holes?
Once the chickenpox blisters heal and crust over, moisturizing with vitamin E oil or coconut oil can help prevent scarring and encourage the skin to heal smoothly. For deep scarring, scar treatment creams or laser therapy may be needed
How to sleep during chickenpox?
Sleeping with chickenpox can be difficult due to itching and discomfort. Use cool, soft sheets and wear loose clothing to avoid irritating the skin. Applying soothing lotions or calamine lotion before bed can help reduce itching. Make sure to keep your nails short to avoid scratching while sleeping.
How to dry out chickenpox quickly?
To help dry out chickenpox faster, soak in cool baths with baking soda or colloidal oatmeal. Afterward, gently pat your skin dry and apply calamine lotion to speed up the drying process. Be sure not to pick at or scratch the blisters, as this can lead to infection and delay healing.
Final Thoughts
Chickenpox can be tough, especially for young children, with all the itching, blisters, and tiredness. But the good news is, home remedies can really help bring comfort and support healing.
Using simple ingredients like oatmeal, honey, neem leaves, aloe vera, and coconut oil can soothe the skin, reduce itching, and help the blisters heal faster. These natural options are gentle and usually safe when used the right way.
However, it’s important to be careful and thoughtful. Don’t overuse remedies, and always patch test on a small area first, especially if your skin is sensitive. Also, avoid putting anything harsh or unclean on open blisters.
Most people recover well with rest, proper skin care, and hydration, but if the symptoms get worse, or if there’s infection, high fever, or trouble breathing, it’s best to see a doctor right away.
In short, home care is helpful, but don’t ignore warning signs. A mix of natural remedies, clean habits, and medical guidance is the best way to get through chickenpox with less pain and faster healing.
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