Chicken pox is one of the acute viral pathologies most often affecting young children. They usually get sick with an ailment once in a lifetime, but sometimes a third type of herpes virus infection is observed again (in about 3% of cases). A characteristic feature of the disease is a rapidly spreading rash, which delivers a lot of discomfort. Remedies for chickenpox will help eliminate itching and prevent the growth of microbes.
Pathology characteristic
An infectious disease provokes the Varicella-Zoster virus, which is characterized by a high degree of infectivity. The disease is transmitted by airborne droplets and enters the body through the mucous membranes. In the environment, the virus is unstable and quickly dies. Especially when exposed to ultraviolet radiation. During the first 7 days after the rash, the patient is a carrier. Infection of others occurs a few days before the onset of the first symptoms.
Most often, the disease affects children who attend preschool and school institutions. Often there are cases when a person has not had this infection in childhood and first encounters it as an adult. The peak incidence is observed in the autumn-winter period. People who have had chickenpox have a lifelong immunity to type 3 herpes virus.
How to treat?
Pathology manifests itself in the form of a rash, which at the initial stage resembles red spots. Later, transparent pimples with fluid appear in their place. After a few days, they burst, after which sores remain on the skin. The rash causes severe itching, which special medications help to cope with. From chickenpox, it is better to use drugs that are able to overcome the Varicella-Zoster virus. They provide an antiviral effect and prevent the development of the disease.
A traditional tool for treating new rashes is a solution of diamond greens. The tool has an antiseptic effect and dries out ulcers, but the virus itself has no effect. Prevention of infection through wounds can be less noticeable means. For cauterization, you can use alcohol solutions of medicinal plants, hydrogen peroxide, tea tree oil.
Features of the treatment of chickenpox in children
Almost always , chickenpox in children is treated on an outpatient basis. The body of the kids is able to independently overcome the disease while creating the right conditions. Treatment in this case is not aimed at destroying the virus itself, but at suppressing symptoms that cause discomfort.
There are many ways that chickenpox can be successfully treated in children. Folk remedies can successfully relieve itching of the skin. As you know, children often comb bubbles with liquid, which is extremely undesirable. This can lead not only to getting into the open wound of the infection, but also cause the appearance of scars, getting rid of which will be quite problematic.
Medications to combat the herpes virus type 3 in pediatric practice are prescribed extremely rarely. Medications are mainly needed for children whose body is weakened and cannot cope with the pathogen independently.
How to treat chickenpox in adults?
Doctors say that "childhood" disease in adults is much more complicated. In addition to the characteristic rash and general weakness, such patients often complain of severe headache, lack of appetite, high body temperature, and vomiting attacks. Usually in such cases, it is recommended to use antiviral agents. From chickenpox in adults, it is necessary to start taking medications based on interferon already at the initial stage. This will help reduce the risk of complications and transfer the pathology in a milder form.
It is imperative to properly care for the skin. The rash is lubricated with antiseptic solutions, ointments. The patient needs to observe bed rest, carefully wash clothes and constantly change bedding.
Antibacterial agents for chickenpox in adults are prescribed in case of secondary infection. Without prior consultation with a specialist, taking such medications is undesirable. In adults, an ailment can provoke the occurrence of complications in the form of encephalitis, arthritis, myocarditis, abscess, pneumonia. Therefore, it is necessary to treat chickenpox under the supervision of a doctor.
Itching Remedies
You can stop the unpleasant symptoms that usually accompany chickenpox with the help of some medications. One of the safest means is potassium permanganate (commonly known as potassium permanganate). By making baths with a weak solution of potassium permanganate, you can significantly alleviate the condition and dry the wounds, which will speed up their healing. It is possible to treat each vesicle separately with a solution of potassium permanganate (5%).
An effective remedy for chickenpox (colorless) is Fukortsin. In the traditional version, the Castellani solution has a raspberry color. It is very difficult to wash it off the skin, and stains on clothes cannot be removed at all. The colorless analogue does not contain a coloring substance - fuchsin. But at the same time, it is this component that has a pronounced antiseptic effect.
Antihistamines
It is sometimes difficult to cope with itching with chickenpox. In the absence of a positive effect after taking a bath with a weak solution of potassium permanganate or herbal infusion, you can use drugs from the group of antihistamines. They are produced both in the form of ointments, and in tablets for oral use. Such funds from chickenpox will have a systemic effect and stop the unpleasant symptoms of the disease.
For children and adults, you can use antihistamines tablets of the second and third generation, which have fewer side effects. The most effective in this case will be such funds as Claritin, Loratadin. Drugs in the form of ointments will also help relieve itching. With chickenpox, you can use "Fenistil" (gel). Experts advise it to be applied only if pimples with a liquid are not opened.
Antihistamines will not only eliminate discomfort, but also normalize the state of the nervous system. For children, the optimal remedy should be selected only by a doctor.
Zinc ointment
Zinc ointment will help speed up the healing process of sores with chickenpox . This is a universal remedy used for various diseases of the skin. With chickenpox, the drug is applied 2-3 times a day. Zinc ointment has a drying and antiseptic effect. It can also be used to treat rashes provoked by herpes type 3 virus in children.
Calamine Lotion
In the treatment of various dermatological ailments, the drug "Calamine" has proven itself. Israeli-made lotion copes with itching and irritation of the skin. Many experts recommend using it as a remedy for chickenpox.
"Kalamin" contains only natural substances that dry, disinfect and form a protective layer on the surface of the dermis, which prevents the occurrence of itching and inflammation. The drug has no contraindications, except in cases of individual intolerance to the active components.
Patient reviews about Kalamin
This remedy for chickenpox is colorless, which is a significant advantage. The drug is most often prescribed for the treatment of chickenpox in children. "Calamine" really helps to cope with a strong itch that bothers the baby. Many parents leave positive recommendations and argue that this is the best cure for chickenpox.
Due to the natural composition of the drug, you can not worry about the risk of side effects and allergies. The only drawback is the cost of the pharmaceutical product. A bottle of 100 ml will cost 780-900 rubles. Also, the tool can be used for insect bites, sunburn, atopic dermatitis.
Salicylic alcohol - an effective remedy for chickenpox
Instead of brilliant green and Castellani's solution, salicylic alcohol can be used to eliminate unpleasant itching and dry sores. The drug has long been known for its healing properties and is often used to eliminate various kinds of rashes on the skin. Many doctors claim that salicylic alcohol is much more effective than a solution of diamond greens and also does not leave marks on the body.
To treat the affected areas, the product should first be applied to a cotton pad or swab. With chickenpox, salicylic alcohol can be used three times a day. The drug is not used for the treatment of mucous surfaces.
Soothing medicines for chickenpox
Acute infectious pathology negatively affects the state of the nervous system. The constant itching and the desire to comb pimples are difficult for adults to withstand, not to mention children. Kids become moody, cry and almost do not sleep due to unpleasant sensations. In such cases, the use of mild sedatives is allowed.
The advantage, of course, should be given to decoctions of herbs. But unfortunately, they are far from always effective. Homeopathic medicines are safe for children and adults. The following products are especially popular:
- Notta (drops).
- Valerianachel (drops).
- "Edas-306" (syrup).
- Nervohel (tablets).
The dosage is calculated by a specialist, taking into account the age and condition of the patient. The use of stronger sedatives is indicated only in severe cases.
Folk remedies for chickenpox
Traditional medicine also offers a huge number of recipes to suppress the virus and eliminate the unpleasant symptoms of chickenpox. First of all, it is necessary to increase immunity. For this, the patient is recommended to use a mixture of honey with lemon juice, diluted in water. One liter of lemon and a tablespoon of honey are taken per liter of liquid. Take this "medicine" three times a day.
It is useful to eat blueberries or drink juice. A mixture of linden flowers, anise fruits and raspberries will improve the immune system. The components are crushed, mixed and brewed with boiling water.
Medicinal chamomile can also be used for an ailment such as chickenpox. Treatments based on this powerful natural antiseptic are taken internally or used to lubricate the rash. To prepare the infusion, you need to take chamomile and calendula flowers, chicory grass, coltsfoot, burdock root. Collection (40 g) is brewed with boiling water (500 ml) and insisted in a thermos for at least 8 hours. After filtering and taking 60-70 ml three times a day.
Broths for bathing
Various herbal decoctions for taking a bath are especially popular. The procedure helps to eliminate the discomfort caused by rashes and accelerate the healing process of wounds. Do not use cosmetic detergents. After bathing, the skin should never be rubbed with a towel.
Chamomile has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. Flowers and grass (50 g) must be brewed with 1 liter of boiling water and insisted. Strained infusion is added to the bath. The duration of the procedure is 10-15 minutes. In a similar way using calendula. Such folk remedies for chickenpox for children can also be used.
You can lubricate affected skin to relieve itching with tea tree oil. It has an antiseptic effect, soothes irritation and inflammation. For applying to the rash, it is better to use a cotton swab.
Prevention methods
You can protect yourself from infection only with the help of vaccination. A weakened virus is introduced into the body, with which the immune system can cope without problems. To exclude infection of others, the patient should be isolated. An infected child is also not allowed to attend the kindergarten or school. The room where the patient is located must be aired several times a day, wet cleaning is done.
Means for chickenpox can be prescribed only by your doctor. Pregnant women and infants need to introduce immunoglobulin in the first day after contact with a sick person. This will help prevent the development of the disease or transfer chickenpox in a mild form.