How do you stop Chickenpox from itching?

Chickenpox Itch Relief for Kids (UK): Gentle, Mum-Tested Skincare Tips

When my little one came down with the spots, we lived in cool baths, soft towels and the comfiest cotton PJs. I wanted to share the simple skin-soothing things that helped us feel calmer and more comfortable at home.

Friendly note: This is general skincare info from a mum who makes organic products, not medical advice. If you’re worried about your child, please follow NHS guidance or speak to your GP/pharmacist.

Quick comfort checklist

• Keep fluids up (ice lollies count if mouths are sore).

• Short cool or lukewarm baths; pat dry (don’t rub).

• Loose, breathable cotton layers.

• Keep nails short; socks or soft mittens at night can help.

  
  

1) Oatmeal baths to calm itchy-feeling skin

A simple cool or lukewarm bath with oats can feel wonderfully soothing on grumpy skin. If you don’t have colloidal oatmeal, finely grind plain oats or pop a handful into a muslin/cloth under the tap. Soak for about 10–15 minutes, then pat dry.

We make a ready-to-use Oat Bath for families who prefer something prepped. If your child is sensitive to botanicals (like chamomile or lavender), please patch-test first and avoid applying botanicals to broken skin.

You can also add a little baking soda to the bath for extra comfort (I don’t use it as a paste on the skin, the bath is gentler).

2) After the bath: keep it cool and comfy

Once you’ve patted dry, pop on a gentle, fragrance-free moisturiser to keep skin soft. Loose cotton PJs and a comfortably cool room make bedtime easier. Some families like a simple balm on dry areas, use whatever gentle product you already trust. You can find our one here.

3) Keep little hands busy (especially at night)

Distraction really helps with the itch. Extra bedtime stories, a calm game or a favourite show can carry them through the scratchiest moments. We turned “scratch me instead!” into a silly mum-and-kid game, which actually worked!

4) Hydration & soft foods

Keep the drinks coming. If there are mouth spots, chilled yoghurt, smoothies or ice lollies can be easier than crunchy foods.

5) Helping skin heal gently

The biggest helpers are the simple ones: try not to scratch, keep nails short, pat don’t rub, and top up moisturiser whenever skin feels tight or dry.

Friendly notes on products

I make organic skincare and bath products for sensitive families. Wherever I mention my products (like our Oat Bath or Calendula Balm), please treat them as comfort care, not medical treatments. Always patch-test, choose fragrance-free where possible.