Chickenpox is a highly contagious disease caused by varicella-zoster virus, which is part of a group of viruses called herpes viruses which spread easily through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes and through personal contact.

Prior to 1995, an estimated 4 million Americans contracted chickenpox each year. Most were children. The reason why the numbers decreased after 1995 is because that was the year a vaccine for chickenpox became available in the United States.

In most cases, chickenpox is not serious. The disease usually lasts about two weeks and rarely causes complications. In rare cases however, the disease can be serious.

There's no way to gauge the likelihood of which a person will develop a severe case once infected.

Typical signs and symptoms of chickenpox include:

• A red, itchy rash that breaks out on the face, scalp, chest and back, and possibly over the entire body that usually appears within 14 days of exposure to the virus.

The rash may be preceded by or accompanied by:

• Fever
  
  
• Abdominal pain or loss of appetite
  
  
• Mild headache
  
  
• General feeling of unease and discomfort or irritability
  
  
• Mild cough and runny nose the first two days of illness before the rash appears

In healthy children, the disease is generally mild.

Conventional medical treatment usually involves the use of the antiviral medication called Acyclovir. If the sores become infected, a topical antibiotic may also be prescribed. These treatments should only be used in severe cases of chickenpox.

For safe, natural ways to treat & prevent chickenpox, see the regimen below:

Avoid close contact with an infected person.

If infected, get plenty of rest and avoid activity as it can increase itching.

A warm raw oatmeal bath helps relieve itching

Avoid bright sunlight.

Avoid scratching the blisters to keep them from spreading.

Any adult who contracts chicken pox should see a professional health care practitioner immediately.

The supplements listed below can also help.

Carotenoid Complex with Beta-Carotene (15,000 IU daily) - Heals tissues and stimulates the immune system.

Vitamin A (20,000 IU daily for 1 month. Then 15,000 IU daily for 1 week) - Aids in the healing process.

Vitamin C with Bioflavonoids (1,000 mg 4 times daily) - Helps decrease fever.

Potassium (99 mg daily) - Helps reduce fever and speeds the healing process.

Zinc (80 mg daily)- Boosts immunity.

Maitake Extract (take as directed on label) - Stimulates the immune system and has anti-viral properties.

Multivitamin and Mineral Complex (take as directed on label) - Provides all nutrients necessary to speed healing.

Catnip Tea - Helps reduce fever and can be given to infants and children.

Other recommended herbs include:

Burdock Root, Echinacea, Ginger, Pau D’ Arco and St. John’s Wort.