Ayurvedic Care Of Chickenpox
Chickenpox also known as varicella, is an highly infectious disease caused by varicella zoster virus. It is characterized by itchy red blisters which eventually scab over before final healing. It usually starts on the chest, back, and face. It then spreads to the rest of the body. But in severe cases, the blisters can spread to your nose, mouth, eyes, and even genitals. It’s very rare to have the chickenpox infection more than once.
Children under age 2 are most at risk for chickenpox. In fact, 90% of all cases occur in young children. But older kids and adults can get it, too.
In Ayurveda, Chicken Pox is known as “Laghu Masurika”.
Causes Of Chickenpox
Chickenpox is a infection caused by a virus named Varicella-zoster virus. Chickenpox is a contagious disease which through contact with an infected person. The virus can spread through:
- Saliva
- Coughing
- Sneezing
- Contact with fluid from the blisters
Symptoms Of Chickenpox
Symptoms of chickenpox typically appear within 10 to 21 days after you’ve been exposed to the virus.Most cases of chickenpox are mild and go away on their own. But see your doctor right away if you develop any of the following symptoms:
- The rash spreads to one or both eyes
- The rash gets very red, warm, or tender. You could have a bacterial skin infection.
- Fever over 102 F
- Dizziness
- Shortness of breath
- Vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Feeling extremely tired (fatigue)
- Stiff neck
- Headache
- You can’t control your muscles
- Feeling irritable
Risk Factors Of Chickenpox
Exposure to the varicella-zoster virus through previous active infection or vaccination reduces risk. Immunity from the virus can be passed on from a mother to her newborn. Immunity lasts about three months from birth.
- Anyone who has not been exposed may contract the virus. Risk increases
- under any of these conditions:
- You are under 12 years of age.
- You have had recent contact with an infected person.
- You have spent time in a school or child care facility.
- You are an adult living with children.
- Your immune system is compromised due to illness or medications.
Complications of Chickenpox
Call your doctor right away if:
- The rash spreads to your eyes.
- The rash is very red, tender, and warm (signs of a secondary bacterial infection).
- The rash is accompanied by dizziness or shortness of breath.These groups may also contract VZV pneumonia or bacterial infections of the skin, joints, or bones.
Women exposed during pregnancy may bear children with birth defects, including:
- Poor growth
- Small head size
- Eye problems
- Intellectual disabilities
Ayurvedic View Of Chickenpox
In Ayurveda, chicken pox is known as Laghu Masurika. It is caused by Grahadosha as well as by vitiation of Tridoshas i.e. Vata, Pitta, Kapha & also by consuming excessive sour, salty, bitter food items & Virudhaahara Sevan (eg. Milk with fish etc.). Ayurveda also gives preventive & curative measures for this disease.
The herb Neem (Azadirachta indica) has a special mention in management of Laghu masurika (Chicken pox) in Ayurveda. It is highly recommended to use its leaves for fumigation (pest control), bedding, etc for children having the condition.
