Key takeaways
- Managing chickenpox symptoms involves eating easy-to-tolerate foods to stay hydrated and nourished, as there are limited pharmaceutical treatments available.
- When you have chickenpox, prioritize soft, cool, and bland foods while avoiding spicy, acidic, salty, and crunchy options that can irritate mouth sores.
- Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water and other hydrating beverages is crucial in fighting the chickenpox virus and promoting faster recovery
The incidence of chickenpox has declined dramatically since the beginning of the 21st century, dropping approximately
However, some groups of people, including newborns, pregnant people, unvaccinated people, and people living with HIV or other immunodeficiency disorders, are at an increased risk of contracting the infection. An immunodeficiency disorder means that your immune system is compromised, so your body typically has a harder time fighting off viruses, diseases, and infections.
Having a chickenpox infection can be extremely uncomfortable at times. Therefore, minimizing the symptoms of the infection, as well as staying hydrated and nourished, are some of the best things you can do to help manage chickenpox.
Read on for more information about some of the best foods to eat, as well as some foods to avoid, when you or someone you know has chickenpox.
Chickenpox is one manifestation of the varicella-zoster virus. The same virus is also responsible for herpes zoster, an infection more commonly known as shingles.
Chickenpox is a highly contagious and uncomfortable disease characterized by symptoms such as:
- fever
- nausea
- fatigue
- muscle cramps
- a rash of itchy red bumps
- scabs
- blisters that cover the body
Sometimes,
- bacterial infections of the skin and soft tissues in children
- bleeding problems
- encephalitis (infection or swelling of the brain)
- dehydration
- pneumonia (infection of the lungs)
- sepsis (bloodstream infections)
While vaccines have reduced the number of people who contract chickenpox each year, not many medications currently show potential to treat the varicella-zoster virus directly. According to the
Acyclovir is an antiviral medication typically consumed orally as a pill or as a topical ointment applied to the infected area.
Given that there are limited treatment options for chickenpox aside from acyclovir, caring for someone with chickenpox typically centers on symptom management and pain relief.
Some of the most common ways in which you may try to manage the symptoms of chickenpox include:
- using acetaminophen to reduce fever, although taking other medications with chickenpox, including aspirin and ibuprofen, has been linked to potentially lethal side effects in children
- avoiding scratching the rash to keep the infection from spreading
- relieving pain and itching with a cool bath or calming lotions
- eating a variety of easy-to-tolerate healthy foods
- staying hydrated
The rash caused by the chickenpox virus may cover the outside of the body and may also affect the tongue, mouth, and throat. In fact, a
Therefore, it’s best to avoid foods that may further irritate these oral lesions, such as spicy, acidic, salty, and crunchy foods.
In addition, if your immune system is already compromised, the chickenpox virus is more likely to cause further complications, such as gastritis, a condition in which inflammation of the stomach leads to symptoms like pain, nausea, and vomiting. Following a mild diet that is easy to tolerate is one way to ensure that you or the person you’re caring for stays hydrated and nourished while fighting chickenpox.
Here are some foods that are safe and tolerable to consume with chickenpox.
Soft foods
- mashed potatoes
- sweet potatoes
- avocado
- scrambled eggs
- beans and lentils
- tofu
- boiled chicken
- poached fish
Cool foods
- yogurt
- kefir
- ice cream
- cottage cheese
- milkshakes
- smoothies
Bland foods
- rice
- toast
- pasta
- oatmeal
Non-acidic fruits and vegetables
- applesauce
- bananas
- melon
- berries
- peaches
- broccoli
- kale
- cucumbers
- spinach
Staying hydrated
Staying nourished and eating a variety of healthy, tolerable foods is crucial to helping your body fight the chickenpox virus and recover quickly. But staying hydrated is an equally important part of the treatment (
Given that chickenpox can significantly impact the mouth and throat, consuming foods and beverages might be painful. This can consequently put people with the virus at an even higher risk of dehydration.
Some hydrating beverages include:
- plain water
- coconut water
- herbal tea
- low-sugar sports drinks
- electrolyte-infused drinks
Some beverages that might contribute to dehydration include:
- sugary fruit juices
- coffee
- soda
- alcohol
- energy drinks
The table below includes
| Age | AI for water per day |
|---|---|
| 0–6 months | 24 ounces (0.7 liters) |
| 7–12 months | 27 ounces (0.8 liters) |
| 1–3 years | 44 ounces (1.3 liters) |
| 4–8 years | 58 ounces (1.7 liters) |
| Girls 9–13 years | 71 ounces (2.1 liters) |
| Boys 9–13 years | 81 ounces (2.4 liters) |
| Girls 14–18 years | 78 ounces (2.3 liters) |
| Boys 14–18 years | 112 ounces (3.3 liters) |
| Women 19–50 | 91 ounces (2.7 liters) |
| Men 19–50 | 125 ounces (3.7 liters) |
Here is a list of foods that might irritate or worsen symptoms of chickenpox among people who are experiencing blisters in or around their mouth.
Spicy foods
- chili peppers
- hot sauce
- salsa
- garlic
Acidic foods
- grapes
- pineapple
- tomatoes
- citrus fruits and juices
- foods pickled in vinegar
- coffee
Salty foods
- pretzels
- chips
- soup broths
- vegetable juices
Hard, crunchy foods
- popcorn
- nuts
- seeds
- fried foods
Here is a sample menu of what you may eat when you have chickenpox:
Breakfast
- 1/2 cup (82 grams) of oatmeal
- 1 scrambled egg
- 1 banana
- 1/3 of an avocado (50 grams)
- water to drink
Lunch
- 1/2 cup (100 grams) of brown rice
- 1 cup (224 grams) of sautéed spinach
- 1/2 cup (118 ml) of yogurt with berries and almond butter
- water to drink
Dinner
- 3 ounces (84 grams) of boiled chicken
- 1/2 cup (105 grams) of mashed potatoes
- 1 cup (156 grams) of steamed broccoli
- 1 cup (237 ml) of strawberry-banana smoothie
- water to drink
Depending on how you feel, you may want to break up your daily nutrient intake with more frequent, smaller meals.
Chickenpox is a highly contagious and uncomfortable disease. While vaccines prevent the virus, there are not many treatment options once it has been contracted. Therefore, managing its symptoms and making yourself as comfortable as possible are some of the best things you can do.
Eating a diet that is filled with healthy but tolerable foods, such as those that are soft and bland, will keep you nourished. Drinking water and other hydrating beverages throughout the day might also help your body fight off the infection sooner.
A chickenpox diet does not have to be limited, and a large variety of foods can be included.
If you’re experiencing sores on the lips, mouth, or tongue, you’ll need to avoid foods that are crunchy, hot, spicy, salty, or acidic.
If you’re concerned about your or someone else’s nutrient intake during a bout of chickenpox, ask your healthcare professional for guidance.