Formerly common in children, chickenpox has become more rare in the United States thanks to the chickenpox, or varicella, vaccination. If your child does develop chickenpox, you might be able to use home remedies like baby oil to help minimize skin irritation. Learn the facts about baby oil and chickenpox, including when this inexpensive oil could help and when your child should go to the doctor.
The Facts
A highly contagious disease that typically occurs in children under the age of 10, chickenpox develops as a result of the varicella-zoster virus. Symptoms generally arrive 10 to 21 days after exposure to an infected person and can include fever, headache and decreased appetite, as well as the distinctive itchy rash that typically appears on the torso, face and scalp. As the pox progresses, itchy red bumps or papules develop into liquid-filled blisters that eventually break open and scab over. According to Medline Plus, most children develop between 250 and 500 individual blisters over the course of the disease.
Significance
Applying topical itch remedies such as baby oil to chickenpox lesions can play a key role in minimizing the skin irritation and preventing your child from scratching the bumps. Itchiness might become extreme at times, and most children don't have the willpower to avoid scratching. Excessive scratching can tear open the skin and can lead to secondary bacterial infections that require medication. Depending on the severity of the secondary infection, scars could easily result.
Method
Applying baby oil by itself to chickenpox lesions could create quite a mess, due to its thin, watery consistency. Blend the oil with enough cornstarch to create a paste, recommends Joey Green, author of "Joey Green's Amazing Kitchen Cures." Dap the baby oil-corn starch paste directly on the spots with a cotton ball or gauze pad, but skip blisters close to the eyes or in the mouth. Minimize potential scratching problems by trimming your child's fingernails. Watch closely for signs of a secondary infection, which can include red, warm or extremely tender skin and warrant a visit to your child's doctor.
Considerations
Always talk to your doctor before applying baby oil or other topical solutions to chickenpox sores. In most cases, topical application of skin-soothing ointments like baby oil provides the necessary skin relief while your child's body fends off the disease. But in some situations, such as if your child has eczema, more aggressive treatment are necessary. If your child has eczema, sensitive skin or a weakened immune system, talk to your doctor about possible chickenpox treatment options, which could include antihistamines and prescription medication.
Warning
If you opt to use baby oil to help minimize your child's chickenpox itching, make sure you store it in a safe, out-of-reach location. Accidental swallowing and inhalation could result in serious complications and even death. Baby oil, like many other oil-based household products, contains hydrocarbons, and when accidentally aspirated, these hydrocarbons coat the lungs, potentially leading to chemical pneumonia and lung damage, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
References
- Medline Plus: Chickenpox
- "Joey Green's Amazing Kitchen Cures"; Joey Green; 2002
- "Caring for Your Baby and Young Child"; Dr. Stephen Shelov; 2009
- US CPSC: CPSC Requires Child-Resistant Packaging for Common Household Products Containing Hydrocarbons, Including Some Baby Oils
