Chickenpox

Why it works: Anti-inflammatory & antipruritic (anti-itch) actions. Chamomile contains α-bisabolol, chamazulene, apigenin, and related flavonoids/terpenes that modulate inflammatory pathways rel...

Instructions: Below are evidence-based ways to apply chamomile to the skin for itching/irritation that align with established monographs and consumer health guidance. Use only on intact skin; av...

Warnings: Allergy/cross-reactivity: Avoid chamomile in children with known allergies to ragweed, mugwort, dais...

Studies: There are no randomized trials of chamomile for chickenpox p...

Why it works: Antibacterial & anti-inflammatory effects: Medical-grade honey (including mānuka) lowers wound pH, draws fluid (osmotic effect), and inhibits bacteria; it’s used in approved dressi...

Instructions: There are no standard paediatric instructions for honey in chickenpox. If a clinician agrees it’s reasonable only for a few scratched or at-risk spots (to reduce bacterial superinf...

Warnings: Never give honey by mouth to infants <12 months (risk of infant botulism). CDC. Allergy risk: Avoid...

Studies: VZV lab data: Cell-culture studies show mānuka/clover honey...

Why it works: Lemon balm contains polyphenols (notably rosmarinic acid) and an essential oil with antiviral activity in vitro. It has randomized, placebo-controlled data for herpes labialis (col...

Instructions: Supportive options (adjuncts only, not treatment):. • Tea for general comfort (not for the rash): Traditional monographs describe lemon-balm leaf tea (1.5–4.5 g chopped leaf infuse...

Warnings: Don’t put essential oils or strong botanicals on open chickenpox blisters.. Essential oils can cause...

Studies: For chickenpox (varicella) in children:No randomized trials...

Why it works: Soothes itch & irritation. Public-health and dermatology bodies list cool baths with colloidal oatmeal as a safe home measure to ease chickenpox itching in kids. The CDC specifical...

Instructions: What you’ll need: A commercial colloidal oatmeal bath product (e.g., single-use packets) or DIY finely ground plain oats (not instant).. Fill a tub with lukewarm (not hot) water. H...

Warnings: Supervise baths; tubs get slippery. Colloidal oatmeal makes surfaces slick—hold your child getting i...

Studies: Peer-reviewed reviews/mechanisms:J Drugs Dermatol reviews su...

Why it works: What it does: Calamine (a mix of zinc oxide with a small amount of ferric oxide) acts as a topical antipruritic (itch reliever) and mild astringent. When dabbed on the skin and all...

Instructions: These are typical label directions common to UK/AU products. Always follow the exact instructions on your own bottle.. • Check & shake – Ensure the seal is intact, then shake well...

Warnings: Symptom-relief only: Calamine does not kill the virus or shorten illness; seek care promptly if your...

Studies: Direct, high-quality trials for calamine in chickenpox itch...