Natural Immunity for Chickenpox and Measles
by author Angela Stengler, ND

Antibiotics have no effect against viral infections, but natural immune enhancers are effective fighters.

Every day is a long one when your child has chickenpox or measles. The itchy, scratchy situation seems like it’s never going to end! Fortunately, these infectious conditions usually occur only once during a lifetime and actually help strengthen developing immune systems. Here’s what you can do to help nurse cranky toddlers through the course of the infection.

Chickenpox

This first appears looking like a little bug bite on your child’s belly, and is usually more annoying than harmful. Other symptoms include (in order of appearance):

• headaches


• loss of appetite


• mild fever


• itchy, fluid-filled bumps.

These may last for a week or so. Crusty scabs comprise the final stage and can last for up to two weeks before flaking off and being replaced by healthy, healed skin.

Because chickenpox is a viral infection, the use of natural immune enhancers can be used to fight it–unlike antibiotics, which have no effect against viruses. Many wholistic doctors don’t recommend the chickenpox (Varicella) vaccine, as we do not find it difficult to help children get through chickenpox without complications.

Measles

This is a highly contagious viral infection spread by respiratory secretions (e.g., coughs, runny nose). Symptoms include:

• runny nose


• eyes that redden and tear


• persistent cough


• red, bumpy rash (not itchy)


• fatigue and increasing fever


• blue-white spots on the inside of the mouth.

A case of the measles normally lasts about nine days. Complications such as respiratory tract and ear infections may occur, and in rare cases, brain inflammation and seizures. If your child develops shortness of breath, a fever over 38°C (100°F), convulsions, severe stomach pain or vomiting, seek medical help immediately.

Diet

To strengthen the immune system against both chickenpox and measles, a whole foods diet of fresh, organic fruits and vegetables is recommended. Choose produce such as celery, cucumbers, cauliflower, broccoli and dark, leafy green vegetables. Raw or lightly steamed vegetables are best because their vitamin and enzyme content remains intact, but a homemade soup such as split pea is also immune-boosting, warming and comforting, especially for sensitive stomachs.

Eliminate sugar products and undiluted fruit juices, which can cause fungal and yeast overgrowth and hinder immune function.

Make sure your child is drinking plenty of water for hydration.

Nutritional Supplements

VitaminC - supports the immune system. Dosage: age in years times 50 milligrams, twice daily. Reduce dosage if diarrhea occurs. Consider using a buffered vitamin C powder (non-acidic) or liquid vitamin C. Both work well for infants and children and can be mixed with herbal tea or diluted juice.

Vitamin A - supports the immune system. Dosage: infants, 1,500 IU; children six and under, 2,500 IU; over age seven, 2,500 IU to 5,000 IU. Note: These dosages are for short-term use up to 10 days. Higher dosages may be used only under a doctor’s supervision. Available in liquid drops.

Zinc - supports immune system and enhances skin healing. Dosage: Children two and younger, five mg. Two and older, 10 to 15 mg. Use for two weeks, then stop.

Herbs

Echinacea and Goldenseal combination - to support the immune system and prevent bacterial infections of skin lesions. Relieves itching. Dosage: three drops of tincture in a quarter-cup of water three times daily for one week.

Homeopathy

Pick the remedy that best matches your child’s symptoms or consult with a local naturopath or homeopath.

Morbillinum- give to child when you first find out he/she has measles. May prevent serious complications and speeds healing.

Pulsatilla - used for both conditions. Child is tearful and clingy. Even though there is fever, child has little to no thirst. Dry cough at night.

Rhus Tox - give to a child who has extreme itching and restlessness, with weeping (fluid-filled) blisters from chickenpox.

Sulphur - itching, red, burning symptoms. Useful if Rhus tox stops working or does not help chickenpox symptoms. Child scratches skin until it bleeds.

Variolinum - give to child when you first find out he/she has chickenpox. May prevent serious bouts of chickenpox and speeds healing.

Natural treatment should help reduce the symptoms and severity of these illnesses. Medical supervision is recommended until the condition resolves. With a little TLC, your child will recover nicely and be immune to these viral illnesses for life.

Topical Treatments For Chickpox

Oatmeal Bath - add a cup of oatmeal powder to a warm bath. Or put oatmeal into a cheesecloth bag and tie with string, then hang under the faucet or float in the tub. Have the child soak in the warm bath for five to 15 minutes. When done, pat the child dry so that a film of oatmeal is left on the skin. This film contains the anti-itch properties of the oatmeal. 

Calendula gel or cream applied to the skin helps to prevent infection from developing. 

Vitamin E gel can be applied to dried-up chickenpox lesions to prevent scarring.

Angela Stengler is a licensed naturopathic doctor and co-author of Your Vital Child: A Natural Healing Guide for Caring Parents (Rodale Press, 2001). Website: thenaturalphysician.com.

Source: alive #239, September 2002