Chickenpox (choti mata) is a viral infection that causes an itchy rash of small blisters, usually with fever and tiredness. It is most common in children and is often more severe in teenagers and adults. Cases in Ghaziabad rise from late winter to early summer.

Symptoms

Fever, headache and body ache for a day or two, then red spots that turn into fluid-filled blisters, starting on the chest, back and face and spreading. New blisters keep appearing for 3 to 5 days, then they dry and form scabs.

How long it is contagious

From 1 to 2 days before the rash appears until every blister has dried and scabbed, usually 5 to 7 days after the rash starts. The patient should stay home from school or work until then.

Home care

  • Plenty of fluids and light food
  • Paracetamol for fever, in the dose your doctor advises
  • Calamine lotion and loose cotton clothes for itching
  • Trim the child's nails to stop scratching and infection
  • A daily bath with lukewarm water is fine and helps the itching

Don't give ibuprofen or aspirin to someone with chickenpox, as they can cause serious complications.

See a doctor quickly if

  • there is difficulty breathing, chest pain or a bad cough
  • fever lasts more than 4 days or comes back after settling
  • blisters become red, swollen, painful or filled with pus
  • the person is very drowsy, confused or has a stiff neck
  • the patient is a newborn, a pregnant woman, an adult or someone with weak immunity; antiviral medicine works best if started within a day of the rash

Prevention

The chickenpox vaccine protects children and adults who have not had it. Ask your paediatrician or physician about it. For keeping the rest of the family safe, see precautions at home.

Where homeopathy fits

Dr Amit Kumar can see patients with chickenpox for itching, fever and recovery, alongside the warning signs above and any treatment your physician advises.

Dr Amit Kumar (BHMS, Delhi Homoeopathic Board Reg. No. 2350) has practised in Sector 4, Vaishali, Ghaziabad since 1994. The clinic is at B-3, Basement, Mini Reliance Plaza, near Sarvodaya Hospital, open Monday to Saturday, 11 AM to 1 PM and 6 PM to 8 PM. A consultation costs ₹500.

See clinic timings and book a consultation