AROMATHERAPY

Chickenpox

Chickenpox is yet another viral infection, and highly contagious. It is commonly believed that once you have chickenpox you never get it again but I know children who have had it several times, including myself. The virus can lie dormant and return as shingles later in life.

After the incubation period of two weeks the child's temperature will rise and almost immediately a rash will appear.This is made up of small spots which may turn into blisters which burst and crust over. Trying to stop your child scratching and picking off the scabs is a full-time occupation.

The spots start on the trunk of the body and then appear on the face and limbs. The child should be isolated until the last scab has fallen off

Bed-rest may prevent fever, and the child should be encouraged to sleep as this is one of the best things for chickenpox.

Treatment involves trying to stop the very irritating itching. Add 10 drops of lavender and 10 of chamomile German to a 100ml bottle of calamine lotion and shake the bottle.

Apply all over the body twice a day. Baths can also relieve itching: add 2 drops of lavender to 1 cup of bicarbonate of soda and put them in the bath. Also, spray the air with an anti-viral mixture.

Reference: The Fragrant Pharmacy: Valerie A Worwood