16 Proven Home Remedies for Chickenpox: Relief & Recovery

Top 16 Effective Home Remedies To Get Rid Of Chickenpox

Chickenpox, caused by the varicella-zoster virus, is a highly contagious viral infection characterized by a distinctive itchy, blister-like rash that spreads across the body. Although chickenpox commonly affects children, adults can also contract it—sometimes experiencing more severe symptoms. While vaccination is the best prevention, home remedies play a crucial role in managing discomfort, promoting healing, and preventing secondary infections during the course of this illness.

Understanding Chickenpox Symptoms

• Itchy, red rash that evolves into fluid-filled blisters
• Fever, headache, tiredness, and loss of appetite
• Scabs form as blisters dry out during recovery

Chickenpox generally resolves within 7-10 days, but the intense itching and possibility of scarring can cause considerable distress. The following natural remedies help soothe symptoms, speed up healing, and reduce the risk of complications.

How To Get Rid Of Chickenpox: 16 Home Remedies

1. Aloe Vera For Chickenpox

Aloe vera gel is celebrated for its cooling, anti-inflammatory, and skin-calming effects.

• What You Need: An aloe vera leaf
• Directions: Slice the leaf, scoop out the gel, and store in an airtight container. Apply gently to rashes 2-3 times per day. Refrigerate unused gel for up to seven days.
• Benefit: Calms itching, moisturizes dry skin, and supports healing of irritated rashes.

2. Baking Soda Bath

Baking soda baths can relieve itching and minimize discomfort associated with chickenpox blisters.

• What You Need: 1 cup baking soda
• Directions: Dissolve in a lukewarm bath and soak for 15-20 minutes. Pat skin dry afterward.
• Benefit: Neutralizes skin acidity, soothes irritation, and helps dry blisters safely.

3. Oatmeal Bath

Oatmeal is well-known for its natural anti-inflammatory properties, which are gentle on sensitive, rash-covered skin.

• What You Need: 2 cups colloidal or finely ground oatmeal
• Directions: Mix into a warm bath, soak for 15-20 minutes daily. Avoid hot water, which can increase itching.
• Benefit: Relieves itching, softens skin, and diminishes inflammation

4. Vinegar Bath

Apple cider vinegar or white vinegar can help reduce itching and promote skin healing.

• What You Need: 1 cup vinegar
• Directions: Pour into a warm bath, soak for 10-15 minutes once daily.
• Benefit: Mildly antiseptic, vinegar helps reduce secondary infections and soothes irritated skin.

5. Salt Bath

Using Epsom or sea salt can support the skin’s natural healing process.

• What You Need: 1 cup Epsom or sea salt
• Directions: Dissolve in a tub of lukewarm water. Bathe for up to 20 minutes.
• Benefit: Reduces itching, draws out impurities, and calms inflamed skin.

6. Calamine Lotion

Calamine lotion is a dermatologist-recommended topical treatment for reducing itch and irritation.

• What You Need: Calamine lotion (containing zinc oxide)
• Directions: Gently dab onto blisters using a clean finger or cotton ball. Avoid eye area.
• Benefit: Provides instant cooling, forms a protective barrier, and relieves persistent itchiness.

7. Essential Oils

Certain essential oils can offer antimicrobial and soothing effects—but must be used with care.

• Recommended Oils: Tea tree, chamomile, and lavender oil (never use undiluted)
• Directions: Dilute a few drops in a tablespoon of carrier oil (such as coconut oil). Apply gently to affected areas. Discontinue if irritation occurs.
• Benefit: Antibacterial and calming properties assist in alleviating itching.

8. Neem Juice For Chickenpox

Neem, also called Indian lilac, has powerful antiviral and antibacterial benefits widely recognized in Ayurveda.

• What You Need: Handful of neem leaves, water
• Directions: Grind leaves into a paste and apply to rashes for several hours. Alternatively, add neem leaves to bath water and soak.
• Benefit: Relieves itching, dries blisters, and promotes quicker healing by fighting infection.

9. Lime Juice On Chickenpox

Lime or lemon juice acts as a natural toner rich in vitamin C and antioxidants.

• What You Need: 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice, 1 cup water, cotton ball
• Directions: Dilute juice in water, apply to rashes with cotton, leave on a few minutes, then rinse.
• Benefit: Tightens the skin, improves healing speed, and helps fade potential scarring.
• ! May sting. Do not use on open wounds or broken skin; rinse off immediately if irritation is intolerable.

10. Boiled Guava Leaves

Guava leaves are valued in herbal medicine for their natural antiseptic and soothing qualities.

• What You Need: Few guava leaves, water
• Directions: Boil leaves, allow to cool. Use as a gentle wash or compress over affected skin.
• Benefit: Assists in wound cleansing and reduces irritation.

11. Herbal Teas

Drinking herbal teas (such as chamomile or calendula) offers systemic relief and hydration.

• What You Need: Herbal tea bags
• Directions: Prepare and sip several cups daily. Chamomile tea bags can also be cooled and applied topically.
• Benefit: Anti-inflammatory, calming, supports immune system during recovery.

12. Vitamin E Oil

Vitamin E oil deeply nourishes dry or cracking skin, supporting the body’s natural healing response.

• What You Need: Vitamin E oil (capsule or bottle)
• Directions: Gently massage a small amount onto scars and rashes after the blisters have crusted.
• Benefit: Minimizes risk of scarring and accelerates skin repair.

13. Marigold Flowers & Witch Hazel Leaves

Marigold and witch hazel contain antioxidant and astringent compounds to foster healing.

• What You Need: Marigold petals, witch hazel leaves, water
• Directions: Steep petals and leaves in boiling water; cool and apply as a compress several times a day.
• Benefit: Reduces swelling and itchiness, cleanses the rash-prone area.

14. Honey

Honey is nature’s antimicrobial and soothing solution for skin lesions.

• What You Need: Raw honey
• Directions: Apply directly to chickenpox rashes, leave for 20 minutes, then rinse or gently wipe away. Repeat twice daily.
• Benefit: Reduces urge to scratch, hastens healing, and diminishes scar risk.

15. Ginger

Ginger provides both anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial actions.

• What You Need: 2-3 tablespoons ginger powder
• Directions: Add powder to bath water, soak for 20 minutes daily.
• Benefit: Eases itching, encourages rapid drying of blisters, and supports general comfort.

16. Green Peas

In Ayurveda, green peas are revered for healing blisters and soothing itchy skin.

• What You Need: 200g green peas, water
• Directions: Boil peas, grind to a paste, apply generously to rashes for an hour, then rinse with lukewarm water. Repeat once a day.
• Benefit: Provides vitamins B6 and C, folic acid, helps control inflammation, and eases discomfort.

Additional Supportive Care for Chickenpox

• Keep fingernails trimmed short to minimize skin damage from scratching and help prevent infection.
• Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing to lessen irritation.
• Stay hydrated by drinking water, herbal teas, and broths.
• Maintain a bland, soft diet, avoiding nuts, chocolate, and salty or spicy foods that can irritate oral lesions.
• Rest is vital for a quick recovery.

Medicines and Medical Measures

• Non-aspirin pain relievers (such as acetaminophen) can be used for fever and discomfort. Avoid aspirin, as it has been linked to Reye’s syndrome in children with viral illnesses.
• Antiviral drugs (like acyclovir) may be prescribed by a doctor for adults, pregnant women, or those at higher risk of complications. These are most effective if started within 24 hours of rash onset.
• Varicella vaccine is the best preventive measure for all ages where recommended.

Foods To Eat And Avoid During Chickenpox

Precautions and When To Seek Medical Advice

• Consult a doctor if you notice high fever, breathing difficulties, confusion, or signs of secondary infection (e.g., spreading redness, pus, severe pain).
• Immunocompromised individuals, pregnant women, and infants should always seek immediate medical guidance if exposed or symptomatic.
• Avoid using strong topical steroids, menthol, or undiluted essential oils on sensitive skin unless prescribed.

Preventive Tips

• Ensure all family members are vaccinated where possible.
• Maintain good personal hygiene—wash hands frequently and bathe gently.
• Keep the affected individual isolated from vulnerable people (newborns, elderly, pregnant women, immunocompromised) until blisters crust over.

Frequently Asked Questions About Chickenpox Home Remedies

Q: Can I use aloe vera gel safely for chickenpox in infants?

A: Yes, fresh aloe vera gel is gentle and safe to apply on infant skin to relieve itching and promote recovery.

Q: How often should oatmeal or baking soda baths be used?

A: They can be given daily, or up to two times a day during acute itching, using lukewarm water and ensuring gentle drying afterward.

Q: Is it safe to scratch chickenpox blisters?

A: No, scratching increases the risk of infection and scarring. It’s crucial to keep nails short, use mittens if needed, and utilize anti-itch remedies.

Q: What helps fade chickenpox scars after healing?

A: Regularly massaging the area with vitamin E oil or aloe vera gel can help fade mild scars over time, but deeper scars may require dermatological advice.

Q: Can adults use the same remedies as children?

A: Yes, most remedies are suitable for all ages; however, adults with chickenpox should consult a physician due to greater risk of complications.

Q: Should I use honey or lime juice on open blisters?

A: Honey is generally safe and may aid healing, but lime juice can sting and should not be used on broken or open skin.

Q: What medications should I avoid during chickenpox?

A: Avoid aspirin and non-prescribed topical steroids. Only use antiviral medications or other drugs when specifically directed by a healthcare provider.

Final Thoughts

Chickenpox can be extremely uncomfortable, but with effective home remedies and vigilant supportive care, most people recover quickly and with minimal complications. Prioritize gentle skin care, maintain hydration, and always seek medical advice if symptoms worsen or for high-risk individuals.

Author

Sneha TeteBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

 

Sneha is a relationships and lifestyle writer with a strong foundation in applied linguistics and certified training in relationship coaching. She brings over five years of writing experience to thebridalbox, crafting thoughtful, research-driven content that empowers readers to build healthier relationships, boost emotional well-being, and embrace holistic living.

Read full bio of Sneha Tete