04/28/2026
Hey everyone! We just received a notice from Knox County Health Department that varicella is on the rise. Varicella is more commonly known as chicken pox.
Common signs and symptoms include:
• Mild fever, malaise, headache, or decreased appetite
• itchy raised red bumps that develop clear/yellow centers and eventually crust over. Expect to see all varieties of lesions at the same time.
• Rash usually begins on the face, scalp, or trunk and spreads outward
There is a vaccine for varicella commonly given around 12 months of age that can decrease the risk of contracting varicella.
A common antiviral oral medication can be prescribed and is thought to possibly shorten the duration of the illness.
Oatmeal or baking soda baths, calamine lotion, or aloe vera gel can help with the itching.
In the natural realm, the amino acid l-lysine can be given, along with vitamin C. Zinc-rich foods such as pumpkin seeds are good to eat to help the skin heal.
Avoid Aspirin/NSAIDs with varicella. This is one time Tylenol (acetaminophen) is recommended.
If you suspect you or one of your children may have chicken pox, please feel free to contact us but NOTIFY us that you suspect chicken pox!!!!! Our staff all had chicken pox as part of "normal childhood illness" when we were kids, but if an in-office is needed we will wait to see you/your child at the very end of the day when you are not at risk of spreading to others.
