How to get rid of chickenpox itching to avoid skin infections

Chickenpox is a contagious skin disease that often occurs, especially in children. The typical symptom of chickenpox is a skin rash in the form of reddish resilience that feels very itchy. Chickenpox resilience can usually spread to several parts of the body, so the itching will be even more annoying. How to get rid of itching due to chickenpox?

Why does the chickenpox rash itch?

The rash that appears all over the body, is quite annoying because it feels very itchy. This condition makes the patient very anxious to scratch it. However, why do these bumps cause itching?

When the red spots begin to bounce filled with clear liquid, chemicals will be released on the skin. These chemicals can activate the nerves that make you itchy.

The nerves in the layer of the skin that are exposed to this substance will send a signal to the brain that there is a foreign object touching the skin.

The brain will process the message and instruct the hands to get rid of these chemicals on the skin. That's why chickenpox rash is so itchy and you want to scratch it so badly.

Although itchy, chickenpox resilience should not be scratched

Even though you really want to scratch it, you are not encouraged to do it. The reason is, scratching will spread germs from the fingernails to the other skin. As a result, the rash spreads to other parts of the body. In fact, it can cause scars that are difficult to disappear when smallpox heals.

Try to hold it in, as the itching will begin to subside in three or four days. Within a week, the boilies that had broken and became sores no longer felt itchy.

In addition, scratching the itchy area can increase the chances of the skin becoming infected with bacteria, so you are at high risk for developing complications of chickenpox.

What's more, scratching chickenpox rash can also increase the risk of contracting chickenpox. The reason is, one of the media for transmitting this disease is through the liquid contained in the red rash.

The virus that causes this disease can be transmitted through direct contact with the rash fluid, which may break when the patient scratches it and is found on the patient's items, such as clothing and sleeping mats.

How to get rid of itching due to chicken pox

Continuously scratching the affected skin will also make the itching feel stronger. It's hard to stop scratching itchy skin, but you can do a number of ways to get out of this habit.

Here are some recommendations for Healthline home remedies to get rid of chickenpox itching.

1. Cut nails and wash your hands regularly

Keeping nails short by cutting them regularly is a great way to prevent cuts caused by scratching the skin. When trimming your nails, make sure that you don't make the tips of your nails taper as there is a risk of irritating your skin.

You also need to keep it clean by washing your hands with soap and running water regularly.

2. Wear gloves and soft clothing

In a conscious state you may still be able to endure the itching, but it will be more difficult when sleeping. While sleeping you can unconsciously scratch the skin rash.

Even though scratching the skin will make the itching feel stronger. To relieve itching due to chickenpox, use soft socks and gloves while sleeping. Also make sure you are using loose, soft clothing.

Some types of harsh clothing, such as latex or woolen fabrics, can make itching worse. Wearing soft clothing can also keep your body temperature cool so you don't sweat a lot, which can trigger itching on the skin.

4. Bathe using oatmeal and baking soda

Bathing oatmeal in a warm water bath can be one way to get rid of chickenpox itching. The type usually used is colloidal oatmeal that is ground into a fine powder.

Colloidal oatmeal also helps moisturize the skin and acts as an emollient to treat dry skin. Apart from that, colloidal oatmeal is also high in starch to help soothe and protect the skin.

Apart from the oatmeal bath, you can also use baking soda (baking soda) for a bath to help relieve the itching from chickenpox.

Just like oatmeal, baking soda also helps relieve itching. Add it baking soda add 5 to 7 tablespoons to a bathtub filled with warm water. Then, soak for about 15 to 20 minutes.

5. Apply calamine lotion after bathing

After you finish taking a shower to relieve chickenpox itching, dry your body by gently tapping the towel.

Avoid rubbing the skin too hard, causing the rash to crack or peel.

Afterward, apply calamine lotion to reduce itching and help the blisters dry faster. Calamine contains various substances that can soothe the skin, one of which is zinc dioxide.

You only need to apply the lotion using clean fingers or a cotton ball to the itchy area. However, don't use lotion on the elastic around the eyes.

6. Compress the skin when itching appears

Compressing chickenpox rash can also be a great way to help relieve itching. One type of compress that can be used is a chamomile tea compress.

Chamomile tea can help soothe areas of skin that are itchy due to chickenpox. This herbal tea contains an antiseptic and anti-inflammatory which is great for reducing the symptoms of chickenpox.

To use it, you just need to dissolve two to three chamomile tea bags in a small basin of warm water.

Then, soak a cloth, towel, or cotton ball in the tea solution. After that, apply a towel to the itchy skin area. When done, pat the skin dry.

7. Take antihistamines

If you have done various ways to get rid of chicken pox as above, but still feel annoyed and uncomfortable, it never hurts to try medical treatment.

Antihistamines can help reduce itching, but you should still use these drugs under a doctor's supervision. This means that you need to consult with your doctor first to get the right type of antihistamine to relieve the itching of chickenpox.