Chicken pox is an infectious childhood disease however; it also affects adults and called Vericella. It is very contagious disease caused by the Vericella Zoster Virus (a member of the herpes family of viruses). Rash varies from child to child and is characterized by itchy red rashes with fluid-filled blisters all over the body accompanied by fever, malaise, and vesicular skin lesion. Chickenpox is generally mild, especially in children but in some severe cases, blisters spread to your nose, mouth, eyes, and even genitals. It generally lasts seven to ten days in children and longer in adults and may become more deadly in adults. About 7% newborn deaths occur when mother have contact with infection during pregnancy

As per Ayurveda, chicken pox is referred to as Laghu Masurika and caused by imbalanced of vata, pitta, and kapha dosha. Laghu means minor or milder – thus chicken pox is a milder version of the more deadly Masurika (Small pox). Eating extremely salty, bitter, or sour food overeating are causative agents of chicken pox as per Ayurveda because in Ayurveda main cause of any disease is caused by the imbalanced digestive fire.

What are the symptoms of chicken pox?

Headache, fever, tiredness and fatigue, red spots first appear on the chest, face, and back, spots turns into itchy blisters, decreased appetite, abdominal pain,

What are the causes and mode of transmission of chicken pox?

In Ayurvedic laghu, Masurika/chicken pox is caused by doshas –Vata, Pitta and Kapha. Chickenpox infection is caused by Varicella- zoster virus (VZV). It is transmitted through direct contact with fluid from the blisters, saliva, and mucus of an infected person. The virus is contagious to those around the affected person one to two days before blisters appear since the virus can spread through the air by coughing, and sneezing.

What are the Three Stages of Chicken Pox?

·         Raised pink or red bumps – which break out over several days and small n size.

·         Fluid-filled blisters – which form in about one day and then break and leak. 

·         Crusts and scabs –  which cover the broken blisters and take several more days to heal.

What are the risks to be infected by chicken pox?

• Non immune pregnant women may be infected with VZV during the first six months
• A person who has weak immunity or compromised immunity due to any disease or any medication is more likely to have severe symptoms
• Adults residing with infected children
• People who have dehydration
• People who have pneumonia,
• People who have skin, bone, joint and blood infection 

What are the Ayurvedic treatment of chicken pox?

Although it is a self-limiting disease, to shorten the recovery period as well as to avoid complications, Ayurvedic medicines could be effectively used in the management of chickenpox.

Neem (Azadirachta Indica): has a special mention in management of Laghu Masurika in Ayurveda because of its high antibacterial and astringent nature, consume neem juice or chewing on neem leaves if possible. Boil enough neem leaves and take shower.

Haridra: has antibacterial and antibiotic properties that is helpful in any skin problem. It is also called natural wound healer 

Yashtimadhu: boosts immunity, and digestion that helps treat skin problems, protects the liver, and improves digestive issues. 

Guduchi:  has antimicrobial properties and helps to aids skin problems 

Majishtha: purifies the blood and relives from skin problems 

Nimba: has excellent antiseptic, antimicrobial properties

What are the diet recommendations (aahar) in chicken pox? Light food with warm water.

What are the lifestyle changes (Vihar) in chicken pox? Adequate rest is advised.

What are the Homeopathic remedies for chicken pox?

·         Antimonium tart given for large vesicles with excessive sweating

·         Rhus toxicodendron is best when dry, transparent vesicles , worse by scratching and physical restlessness seen in children

·         Kalium sulphuratum is recommended when vesicles are filled with yellow pus, and dry skin is marked n this remedy.

·         Apis Mellifica is given when there is erysipelatous redness and swelling, with stinging pain, burning pain with suppressed urination is an indication of this remedy.

·         Baptisia is good for pustules appear in throat than on skin.

·         Belladonna is best for the first stage of the disease, high fever, congestion of face, redness of skin.

·         Bryonia is given when commencement of eruptions associated chest symptoms, with dry mouth and increased thirst.

·         Calcarea carboncum is for chicken pox during dentition.

·         Variolinum is a remedy, which makes the disease milder.

·         Mercurious solubilis is given when patient has excessive salivation and dysentery.

What are the other best home remedies for chickenpox?

• Herbal tea of Tulsi, with little lemon juice and a teaspoon of honey. 
• Apply sandalwood paste it help cool the skin.
• Honey is also herbal medicine for chicken pox because it has anti-bacterial properties honey applied on the blisters in the mouth to reduce burning and itching.
• Cool mud mask applied to the abdomen and chest twice a day can help bring down the feeling of feverishness and itching.
• Essential oils for scar removal: Aloe Vera has anti-inflammatory properties, which relieves your skin from itchiness, irritation, and redness
• Cool blisters and keep discomfort at bay by dabbing calamine lotion over the sores.