Chicken Pox and homeopathic treatment.

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Chicken Pox & Homeopathic Treatment (courtesy: Sheri Nakken, Homeopath)PRINT THESE PAGES OUT SO YOU HAVE THEM HANDYI have compiled these sites - These are from a variety of homeopathicwebsites to give you clues as to what remedy is needed.These are to only be guidelines in the case of acute illness or first aid.It helps shorten your time in looking when you are in a hurry with an illchild. It helps you narrow down a little. Read thru the list - if youfind a remedy that sounds like it might fit, then go to your book and readmore about that remedy in the Internal Materia Medica.ALWAYS best to repertorize as you have been doing, but these are helpful.Repertorizing enables you to get more individual.NEVER to be used for chronic or recurring conditions.Print out and save for quick reference!**********Copyright 1997 Will Taylor, MD

Homoeopathic Family MedicineChickenpoxWhile it is true that we cannot select a homoeopathic remedy merely on thebasis of the name of the disease - we need to select the one remedy that ishomoeopathic to the disharmony of the patient we are treating - it is alsothe case that the epidemic illness of chickenpox impresses a distinctenough stamp on the organism that we - even in our individuality - have asmall enough range of common responses that it is meaningful to talk aboutthem. With some understanding of acute-care prescribing & a rather smallmateria medica, it is possible to effectively treat most cases ofchickenpox at home.Good resources for the materia medica (information on appropriate remedies)needed for home prescribing for patients with chickenpox can be found inany of the following books:-Miranda Castro, The Complete Homeopathy Handbook (my favorite home-carereference by a long shot

- this takes a classical approach to acute-careprescribing, and if you only have one home-care book, it should be thisone). If you find my comments below interesting, and wish to procede withpreparing yourself to do homoeopathic home care, buy this book and perhapsone or two of the following list as well.-Phyllis Speight, Homoeopathic Remedies for Children-Christopher Hammond, How to Use Homoeopathy-Cummings & Ullman, Everybody's Guide to Homeopathic Medicines-Dana Ullman, Homeopathic Medicine for Children and Infants-Panos & Heimlich, Homeopathic Medicine at HomeKnowing that the following list does not include *every* remedy that ahomoeopath might use to treat patients with chickenpox, I would recommendyou have the following in your medicine kit to be reasonably prepared:(1) "An empty bottle" (I'm kindof teasing here) - not every person withchickenpox needs to be treated, and in my experience most

do not. A veryhealthy response to this virus involves a small smattering of spots, arunny nose, a low-grade fever & perhaps some small drop in energy that maylast a few days. If the picture of a homoeopathic remedy does not emergeclearly in the child, don't treat them. Give them hugs, fluids, baths withoatmeal* for itching, one of those really neat bed-tables you make out of acut-out cardboard packing box with cut-outs for a bowl & cup, read to themfrom Winnie-the-Pooh, etc. (especially "Wheezles & Sneezles" from Now weare Six). For my oldest boy (now 10), raspberry sherbet & a backrub is themost consistently effective remedy for any ailment that comes along.* - grind rolled oats in a blender or food processor, put a coupletablespoons in a hank or dishrag & hang it from the faucet when you drawthe bath.If the illness takes a course departing from this normal pattern ofresponse - e.g.

excessive itching, horrible-looking eruption, a disturbingcough, mental/emotional difficulties such as excessive irritability orclinginess, difficulties with sleeping, or whatever, the organism is askingfor help, and the appropriate remedy will get things back on track. Thefollowing short list of 8 remedies will cover about 95% of the cases ofchickenpox you'll encounter; the remaining 5% will need any one of a hugevariety of remedies at the discretion of a trained homoeopath. I generallyrecommend that my patients who stock remedies for home care get them in 12Cpotencies. Most of the following will be in a kit put together forhomecare, such as the 50-remedy kit of 12C potencies put together byWashington Homeopathic Products. Dosing, repetition of dose, etc. arediscussed in the home-care manuals above, most thoroughly in MirandaCastro's book.These are listed in order of the frequency with which I've prescribed

themfor patients with chickenpox, from most frequent to least frequent. Thepictures below are fragmentary pictures of how kids needing these remedieswill look in a bout of chickenpox - don't rely just on them, but use themas a jumping-off point in working with your reading resources.(2) Pulsatilla nigrans (perhaps 60% of the cases I've treated)When the child has developed the disharmony calling for this remedy, it isusually the mental/emotional and general symptoms of the person thatidentify the match to this remedy. The classical symptoms of "Chickenpox"are not that remarkable - modest rash, modest fever. However, the child isweepy, clingy, wants to be held & to sleep with the parent. The itching isworse from heat, such as a hot bath or heat of the bed, so they are likelyto uncover, sleep poorly in a warm room, prever a tepid bath, etc. Bedtimeis especially hard, because of separation from the parents &

warmth of thebed, but it's just a hard time of the day for them anyway. Despite feverthey may not be very thirsty. There may be some cough, worse on lying downat night & from the heat of the bed, better with cooler & moving air & onsitting up.(3) Rhus toxicodendron (perhaps 15% of the cases I've treated)The striking symptoms indicating that the child is in a state calling forthis remedy are generally tremendous itching and a physical and emotionalrestlessness. Bedtime may be hard again, but this time becauserestlessness makes it difficult physically to lie in bed & fall asleep.They may wake exhausted with busy dreams & have to get up - they may comeinto the parents' room, but not so much for the snuggle as out ofrestlessness driving them out of their own bed. Itching is awful,especially at night, but not because of the heat of the bed; itching isworse with cold, and relieved by an extremely hot

bath, worse when at rest,and they feel they have to scratch & will excoriate their rash byscratching. The pox may be expecially large & filled with thin or thickpus-like fluid which may run when the blisters break. I have never seenthe red-tipped tongue keynote reported in the literature in this acutepresentation of a Rhus-tox picture.(4) Antimonium tartaricum (<10%)Here it is the cough that will most often alert you to the need for thisremedy. the cough may be very moist-sounding and rattly, raising theconcern about bronchitis or pneumonia (both of which may complicateChickenpox - this will often be the remedy when that is the case, but donot ignore conventional medical supportive care [i'm refering to supportivecare, not to allopathic treatment] if this is a concern). The rash may belarge, and may weep a yellow fluid crusting like dried honey - sometimes itis only the appearance of an extensive

eruption of this character thatalerts to the need for this remedy, even in the absence of problematiccough. The child will often be mildly ill-tempered, not wanting to belooked at or touched. A white coating is often seen on the tongue.(5) Antimonium crudum (pretty unusual)Very much like Antimonium tartaricum, above, but when the ill-temper ismuch more evident.(6) Mercurius vivus (or Mercurius solubilis) (<5%)High fevers, at night, with profuse sweat. Large eruptions with pus-filledblisters and pus-like discharge that may be irritating, with soreness ofthe affected skin. Much redness about the eruptions. Narrow range oftemperature comfort - worse with cool and with heat. These kids arenormally pretty sick.(7) AconiteUsually a phase very early in the illness, folks in this state generallyare well past it & onto another phase of the illness by the time they getinto my office, so when I've

given this it's usually an 11pm phoneprescription.Very sudden onset of high fever, most often around 11pm to midnight, withfear, night-terrors or nightmares, & tho apparently awake they don'trespond as if they were, being inconsolable in their fear. The illnesoften begins following exposure to cold wind. At this point, you probablywouldn't know it's chickenpox yet, they probably won't break out until thenext day; if the rash has already come out, the symptoms above eclipse theconcerns that the rash might raise directly.(8) BelladonnaVery hot, dry fever, without thirst, usually of rapid onset, worse in themid-afternoon & on into evening (3pm, fever on waking from the afternoonnap). Dry, flushed red skin, burning up tho the hands & feet may be cool.Headache. Twitchings & startings in feverish sleep. Usually early in theillness, & tho the rash has often come out at this point, the rash

itselfdoesn't seem as significant as the feverish symptoms above.(9) SulphurUsually recognized as the remedy when the illness has dragged on with slowrecovery, the eruption crusty & weeping after scratching. Warm, uncoveringat night, worse from heat (itching & generally), itching with redness aboutthe eruption which is worse with heat of bed or bath.Good luck with your kids! Working with an illness such as this, where youcan exercise a classical homoeopathic approach within a limited range ofpossible remedy pictures, is a great way to introduce yourself to learninggood homoeopathy.Copyright 1997 Will Taylor, MD Homoeopathic Family Medicine**********http://www.truestarhealth.com/Notes/2210004.htmlChicken pox is a common childhood viral illness. Many cases are mild;however, those that are

uncomfortable can often be helped with homeopathy.Fatigue and low fever typically begin ten days to three weeks from thetime of exposure. A flat red rash comes out, transforms into pimples, thendevelops into blisters that eventually break and harden into itchy crusts.If fever is very high and persistent, or if a person seems to be extremelyill, it is best to consult a physician.For dosage information, please read the information at the end of thissection. See also “Using Homeopathy With Professional Guidance” in What IsHomeopathy?Antimonium tartaricum: This remedy may be indicated when eruptions arelarge and slow to emerge. The child feels sweaty, fussy, and may benauseous with a white-coated tongue. If chest congestion with a rattlingcough develops, or a bubbly sound on breathing, Antimonium tart is likelyto be the appropriate remedy.Antimonium crudum: A child who needs this remedy usually is irritable

andmay object to being touched or looked at. The eruptions are sore, andtouching them may bring on shooting pains.Apis mellifica: When this remedy is indicated, the skin around theeruptions is pink and puffy and very itchy, with stinging pains. Theeyelids may also be swollen. The person feels worse from warmth, isirritable, and usually is not thirsty.Belladonna: This remedy is indicated when a child is hot and feverish,with a red flushed face, and eyes that are sensitive to light. A poundingheadache may be felt, accompanied by either restlessness or drowsiness.The rash usually is red, with a feeling of heat and throbbing.Bryonia: When fever persists for several days during chicken pox, and adry nagging cough develops, this remedy may be useful. The person’s mouthis dry, with thirst for long cold drinks. The person may be very grumpy,feel worse from motion, and dislike being interfered with in any

way.Mercurius solubilis: This remedy may be indicated if eruptions are largeand become infected. The child is very sensitive to temperature changesand feels worse at night. Perspiration and drooling during sleep, swollenlymph nodes, and offensive breath are strong indications for Mercurius.Pulsatilla: A child who needs this remedy is often sweet and tearful whenill and wants a lot of attention and comforting. Itching and otherdiscomforts are worse from warmth and in stuffy rooms, and improved bycool fresh air. The person is rarely thirsty, even during fever.Rhus toxicodendron: This remedy is useful in cases of chicken pox withtremendous itching that is worse from scratching and relieved by warmbaths or applying heat. The child may be very restless, both physicallyand mentally. The eyes may become inflamed and sticky. Muscles can acheand feel very stiff, also relieved by warmth and gentle motion.

(Somehomeopathic physicians recommend Rhus tox to people who have been exposedto chicken pox, to help prevent infection.)Sulphur: If itching is so severe that the person finds it impossible tokeep from scratching—or if eruptions have a nagging, burning pain—thisremedy may bring relief. The symptoms (and the person) become worse fromwarmth and aggravated after bathing. Both heat and chills are felt duringfever. The person may feel drowsy in the afternoon and restless and hot atnight.Urtica urens: Eruptions with stinging, burning pain and itching may berelieved by this remedy. Symptoms are aggravated by exertion and fromoverheating.*****http://www.homeopathic.com/articles/using_h/chickenpox.phpA Homeopathic Perspective on Chickenpox©1992, Dana Ullman, M.P.H.(Excepted from Homeopathic Medicine for

Children and Infants, Tarcher/Putnam)A Homeopathic Perspective on ChickenpoxWritings by Dana Ullman, MPH © 1992(Excepted from Homeopathic Medicine for Children and Infants, Tarcher/Putnam)REMEDIES LISTED IN CAPITOL LETTERS REPRESENT MORE FREQUENTLY INDICATEDREMEDIESACONITUM: This remedy should be considered at the initial stages ofchickenpox when there is fever, restlessness, and increased thirst.Antimonium crud: Most characteristic of these children is theirwhite-coated tongue and their irritable disposition. Other indications forthis remedy are when children have pimples and pustules which itch,especially after a bath or exposure to water, in the evening, and from theheat of the bed. The children tend to experience a prickly heat which isaggravated by exercise and warmth.Apis: Children who have itching and stinging pox that is worse from heatand in warm rooms and better from cold and in

cool rooms should be giventhis remedy. Belladonna: Chickenpox with severe headache, flushed face,hot skin, and drowsiness with the inability to sleep well should betreated with this medicine.RHUS TOX: This is the most common remedy for chickenpox. These childrenexperience intense itching, especially at night and from scratching. Theyare very restless.********http://www.indbazaar.com/i-daksh/therapeutics.asp?id=14(site from India)OMBATING CHIKEN POXChicken pox is a highly contagious rash illness. It’s caused by theVaricella-zoster virus [VZV] and usually strikes in childhood.Incidence - Chickenpox is a common, highly contagious illness. Over 90% ofcases occur in children less than 12 years of age.Around 10 per cent of the population over the age of 15 is susceptible tothe disease. Most urban

children are infected with chicken pox beforepuberty.Transmission - The disease is acquired by inhalation of virus, containingparticles from the nasopharynx of an infected individual.These cause an initial infection in the respiratory epithelium. Skinvesicles contain the virus, but are not the primary source. Scabs are notinfectious. Patients are contagious from 2 days before onset of the rashuntil all lesions have crusted.Season - The virus is endemic, but becomes epidemic during the late winterand spring.Immunity - Lasting immunity follows recovery. Second attacks are rare evenin the immuno-compromised.Incubation period - The incubation period is 14 to 17 days.THE SIGNS OF CHICKEN POXThe following symptoms will occur 10-21 days after exposure to chickenpox. Signs of chicken pox appear in the following order:* Mild low grade fever with cold-like symptoms* Rash, mostly on trunk or

covered areas of the body.* Fluid-filled blisters (vesicles)* Crusts / scabsThe patient also complains of the following -* Runny nose, slight cough* Decrease in appetite* Headache* Tired, rundown feelingThese symptoms usually occur 24-48 hours before the spots appear on the body.The spots first appear on the chest, back, or face, and eventually areseen over the entire body. The spots may occur in the mouth as whiteulcers, and as ulcers in the ears and eyes.HOW TO PREVENT CHICKEN POX* Exclude infected person from school or day care for 5 days after thefirst vesicles appear.* Practice good hand washing: the virus spreads by direct contact withthe fluid in the blisters, as well as infected secretions from noseand mouth.* Cover mouth when coughing and dispose of tissue promptly.* Wash bed linens and recently worn clothes in hot, soapy water.* Avoid exposing pregnant women,

newborns, the elderly, orimmuno-compromised persons.HOW TO MANAGE CHICKEN POX* Give one or more lukewarm baths daily. Add one tablespoon bakingsoda to each bath to relieve itching.* Keep fingernails short to prevent scratching.WHAT ARE THE COMPLICATIONS* Chickenpox poses serious problems in pregnancy, especially wheninfection occurs early in the pregnancy or at the time of delivery.Infection early in pregnancy can lead to several types of fetalabnormalities, including limb abnormalities, scarring of internalorgans and neurological damage.* The most common complication is bacterial skin infection.* Scarring occurs frequently. Round, deep, punched-out scars, "pockmarks," are a disfiguring complication. These disfiguring scars arepermanent, but do show some improvement with timeWHAT ELSE DO I NEED TO KNOW ABOUT CHICKEN POX* Chicken pox is spread by direct contact or breathing

in from noseand throat secretions.* Crusting occurs in 5 to 10 days after breakout. Crusts do notcontain the virus.* Children are not to go to school for at least 7 days - until allsores are crusted.* Let scabs fall off by themselves.STAGES OF CHICKEN POX* The prodromal symptoms in children are absent or low-grade. Olderchildren and adults experience fever (1 to 6 days), headache,backache, and sore throat.* The fever varies from 101º F to 105º F and returns to normal whenthe vesicles have disappeared.* Moderate to intense itching is present during the vesicular stage.* The lesion starts as a 2 mm to 4 mm red papule, which develops anirregular outline (rose petal) as a thin walled clear vesicle appearson the surface. This lesion, "dew drop on a rose petal," is highlycharacteristic.* The vesicle becomes centrally depressed and cloudy, has an irregularborder, and breaks in 8 to 12 hours.*

The lesion dries to form a crust as the red base disappears.Secondary infection or excoriation extends the process into thedermis, producing a crater-like scar.HOMEOPATHIC MANAGEMENTDO NOT SELF MEDICATE.CONSULT A QUALIFIED HOMEOPATH FOR THE RIGHT MEDICINE AND DOSE.During homeopathic treatment, one of the following drugs is administeredbased on right indications.COMMONLY INDICATED DRUGSANTIM CRUD, PULS, SULPH, Antim tart, Bell, Carbo veg, Ledum, Merc, Rhustox, Sepia, Thuja, Aconite, Arsenic, Asafoetida, Cantharis, Causticum,Coffea, Conium, Cyclamen, Ipecac, Natrum carb, Natrum mur, Silicea.(According to Dr. J. H. Clarke)For the initial fever – AconiteWhen the vesicles form – Antim tartWhen the fever is over – Merc solAconite – For the initial stage, with the onset of fever; better in openair, worse in warm room, in evening and at night; thirst and restlessnessvery

marked.Antim crud – Chicken pox, with gastric derangement; sensitive to coldbathing; thick, hard, honey colored scabs; itching when warm in bed;burning and itching are worse at night; child cannot bear to be touched orlooked at.Antim tart - In the early stage; child is irritable and wants company;also indicated in chicken pox with respiratory complications.Mercurius - When matter appears in the vesicles; skin is almostconsistently moist; odorous perspiration; itching is worse from warmth ofbed; yellowish brown crusts; worse at night, wet, damp weather,perspiring, warm room and warm bed.Rhus tox – Severe intense itching; extreme mental and physicalrestlessness; worse during cold wet, rainy weather and after rain; betterwarm, dry weather, rubbing, warm applications.Sulphur – Annoying rash; child is thirsty and hungry; dirty skin; worsescratching and washing; itching worse by warmth; often occurs

in springtime. 2000. Indbazaar.com. All rights reserved. After all, they (the pro-vaccine lobbyists) say to themselves, you can't make an omelette withoutbreaking eggs. But the eggs being broken are small, helpless, and innocent babies, while the omelette is being enjoyed by the pediatricians and vaccine manufacturers. - Harris L. Coulter, PhD

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