Being covered in itchy red bumps isn’t anybody’s idea of a good time. Even though the chickenpox vaccine has reduced cases by nearly 90 percent since it was introduced, it’s still possible to get this viral infection, especially if you’re unvaccinated. While it’s most common in children, chickenpox can also affect adults, sometimes with serious results, according to Cleveland Clinic.
There is no specific diet for chickenpox. So, once you’ve been diagnosed, all you can do is treat the symptoms and wait for them to subside. That said, there are certain foods you might want to avoid eating, and a few comfort foods that may help you get through it.
Chickenpox Basics
Chickenpox is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, or VZV. Before the development of a vaccine, it was rare for a person to reach adulthood without having contracted chickenpox, according to Mayo Clinic.
A chickenpox infection may begin with symptoms like fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, and headache. These can occur a day or two before a rash appears. Chickenpox is highly contagious, even before a rash shows up. But the virus that causes it is most likely to infect unvaccinated people and those who haven’t had the illness before.
The first visible sign of chickenpox is the appearance of clusters of little red bumps that can occur anywhere on your body. The rash typically lasts about 5 to 10 days total. The red bumps will appear over a few days, then turn into fluid-filled blisters, which break and leak in about a day.
The broken blisters will crust and scab; these will heal in a few more days. You’ll be contagious until all the blisters have scabbed over.
The rash is often itchy, though you’re encouraged not to scratch, because that can lead to skin infections. According to Seattle Children’s hospital, typical chickenpox treatment involves:
- Cool or lukewarm baths with baking soda
- Calamine or antihistamine lotion
- Over-the-counter oral antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
With fever, acetaminophen (Tylenol) is recommended. But do not give aspirin to children.
For pain related to blisters in the mouth, you can try a liquid antacid, such as the combo of aluminum hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide, and simethicone (Mylanta). Seattle Children’s provides detailed instructions on their website.
Mouth blisters can make putting together a chickenpox diet a challenge, especially for a young child.
Foods to Avoid Eating With Chickenpox
Your mouth can be very sensitive due to the ulcers created when blisters open. So, you’ll want to eat foods that don’t make that discomfort worse. According to Seattle Children’s, it’s best to avoid:
- Salty foods
- Crunchy and dry foods, such as pretzels and chips
- Very spicy foods
- Acidic foods and drinks, such as pineapple or citrus juices
To ease mouth pain, try cold drinks and foods, like ice pops, smoothies, milkshakes, and sorbet. Also, try to eat soft foods that won’t irritate the ulcers.
Some people believe that it may also be helpful to avoid foods that are high in the amino acid L-arginine. According to research, L-arginine promotes viral growth of VZV. There is little research on L-arginine and active chickenpox infections, however, and experts don’t routinely recommend avoiding foods with the amino acid.
Foods high in L-arginine include meats and fish, along with nuts, seeds, legumes, whole grains, and dairy products, according to Cleveland Clinic.
Best Foods to Eat During Chickenpox
The best foods to eat during chickenpox are bland, comforting items that won’t make the pain of mouth ulcers worse. Mashed potatoes and chicken noodle soup are soothing dishes that are easy to chew. Yogurt is also easy on mouth ulcerations, according to the Columbia University Irving Medical Center.
It’s also important to drink plenty of liquids, according to Seattle Children’s. Non-acidic juices, broths, and water are better than sugary drinks or diet soda.
Talk with your doctor if chickenpox ulcers in the mouth are making it hard to eat. They may recommend an over-the-counter or prescription numbing medication, or a pain reliever to deal with the discomfort.
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