9 tips for speedy recovery from Chickenpox

Chicken pox is a viral infection which is highly contagious and causes blisters on the skin. It is like skin rashes, which are very itchy.

It is highly contagious especially to those people who have not had the infection before or are not vaccinated against it.

It is caused by the varicella-zoster virus.

The symptoms of chickenpox are easy to identify. The most common symptom is the skin rash and small blisters. Some other symptoms are as follows –

• Fever
• Headache
• Feeling of tiredness
• Stomach ache, etc

In this article we are going to describe a few tips for speedy recovery from chicken pox, which are as follows:-

• CREAMS - As advised by doctors, you should apply an anti- bacterial cream on the blisters. The cream will give a soothing effect and relief  from the itchiness. Lacto calamine lotion can also be applied on the blisters. You can also apply creams which contain antihistamines.
• NEEM - You can put neem leaves in a bucket and leave it for an hour or two and then take a bath with this water. Neem possess antibacterial properties. It helps to resolve itching problems. Don't rub your skin while bathing otherwise the blisters will burst out and it will cause more itching and pain. Also keep properly washed neem leaves around you.
• PERSONAL HYGIENE -  You should maintain good hygiene. Washing hands at regular intervals will decrease the chances of  spreading the viruses. You should also trim your nails regularly, because it can cause issues if you scratch the body when you feel itchy. Everyone around should maintain good personal hygiene. The family members should avoid the usage of the same clothes, utensils, and accessories of the infected person.
• TEMPERATURE -  In a study, it is confirmed that temperature affects the incidence of chickenpox. It is an important predictor in the case of chickenpox. When there is a high fever or a severe headache you should take a dose of paracetamol. If the body temperature is more than 100ºF, the body should be wiped or sponged with a piece of cotton cloth, dipped in cold water,  for at least 20 minutes. If then too there is no relief a sponge bath from head to toe can be taken. An immediate bath can also help in bringing down the temperature of the body. If the temperature does not reduce still, immediately consult a good doctor for further medications.
• Actuall, try to keep your body cool and calm during chickenpox, otherwise sweat and heat can create more itching issues in your body.
• MEDICATION - A very big role is played by the medicines in case of chickenpox. It is highly recommended that aspirin or aspirin containing medicines should not be taken. It has many side effects and is harmful for the victim. It is said that plain paracetamol will help to relieve the body from fever and bodyache that occurs due to the viral disease. It is good to consult your doctor if there are several issues like skin infection, fever, headache, etc. It is a disease which is highly contagious but there is no requirement of antibiotic medicines. 
• ISOLATION AND SPREAD - Chickenpox is a highly communicable disease. The victim has to take proper care while coughing and sneezing because the mucus is highly infectious. The family members and all close contacts can easily be affected by it. Proper distance should be maintained with the patient because it starts spreading even 1 - 2 days before the appearance of rashes on the body. It can spread until all the blisters are scabbed. It spreads not only with direct contact but also through air. If the people in close contact have not taken the chickenpox vaccine, it may easily affect them. The victim should stay at home, he or she should not go to work or school till the last blister has dried out. If the victim is a child, you should inform the school and the child care centre. Special attention is to be paid in case of young children, old people and pregnant women. For these groups social contact with the victim is a total 'No'.
• DIET - The patient should be fully hydrated. Fluids in the form of water, juices, soups, and fruits can be given. The victim should take a balanced diet. It is recommended to take light food like khichdi which is easy to chew and easily digestible. It fulfils the requirement of essential proteins and calories. As an immunity booster you can give sprouts to the victim.The best immunity providing food is the garlic and turmeric that can be included in the diet of the victim.
• It is necessary to take a diet which is rich in vitamin A. Calcium rich foods like milk and milk products, wheat and beans should be taken. Food rich in zinc like pulses, beans, vegetables help in boosting the immunity. Water should be taken in adequate quantities to keep the body hydrated.
• Fruits like apples, watermelons, and bananas can be taken. Also, if there are no ulcers and no oral sores then you can take citrus fruits like grapes, oranges,  etc. Fruits can also be consumed in the form of shakes or can be mixed with milk to prepare milkshakes.
• Soups and boiled vegetables can be helpful in the regeneration of the damaged cells. Foods like curd and buttermilk contain good amounts of calcium and other probiotics for  better digestion. It even acts as a skin healer and immunity booster. 
• PREVENT INFECTIONS - A very important thing  to pay attention in case of chickenpox is maintaining good hygiene during illness. Washing hands at regular intervals or sanitising it properly comes first. It should be done several times a day. Trimming the nails of the victim is also a must. It will reduce the chances of getting a bacterial infection. Some tricks like making the patient wear clean cotton gloves or light cotton socks can be helpful.
• It may reduce the chances of  scratching the blisters while they are asleep.If the victim is a baby or a child who still makes the bed wet then keep their nappies changing more than usual.
• Finally, if the skin appears to be damaged or has lesions, wash it with mild soap and apply a topical antibiotic. Don't forget to cover all the wounds with bandages.
• AVOID - You should avoid some foods during chicken pox. The list goes as-
• Spicy foods like-chilli, peppers, salsa, hot sauce, etc;
• Acidic foods like- Food pickled in vinegar, tomatoes, coffee, etc;
• Salty foods like-chips, pretzels, etc.

Many times people get blisters in and around their mouth. Refrain from such foods at that time.

Conclusion

I hope this article would have enriched your knowledge as to what to do when you get infected with chickenpox. You may follow the above mentioned tips but do consult a doctor for better and fast recovery.
Stay Healthy Stay Fit!