Encyclopedia of Homeopathy

252 • HOMEOPATHIC SELF-HELPDISORDERCHICKEN POXThis highly infectious, viral disease is spread in droplets of mucusexpelled in coughs and sneezes from an infected child or an adultwith shingles. Incubation is 13–17 days. Symptoms are a slightfever for 24 hours, followed by the eruption of a rash anda worsening of the fever. Clusters of small, red, itchy spots evolveinto fluid-filled blisters, which heal in 6–10 days. A child isinfectious from just before the onset of fever until all the spots heal.Scratched spots may become infected and leave pockmarks. Mostchildren recover completely, but the virus may lie dormant andbe triggered in adulthood as shingles.SELF-HELP To soothe the spots, rub in honey or vitamin E cream onunbroken skin, dab on baking soda solution (1 tsp soda to ¾ cupwater), or take an oatmeal herbal bath.CAUTION If you suspect that your child has chicken pox, consult adoctor within 24 hours. If the temperature is still high two days afterthe rash appears, or if the child seems very ill and chesty, seea doctor within two hours because of a risk of pneumonia.MEASLESA highly infectious, viral disease, measles is spread in dropletsof mucus expelled in coughs and sneezes. The incubation periodis about ten days, after which the first symptoms develop—aninflamed throat, runny nose, dry cough, red and watering eyes,and fever. After 3–4 days, dark red spots appear, which may joinup to form blotches. A child is infectious from the first symptomsuntil five days after the rash develops. Complications include acutemiddle-ear infection, bronchitis (see page 228), encephalitis(inflammation of the brain), and febrile convulsions.SELF-HELP Give the child plenty of water and a light diet until therunny nose and the cough clear up. Treat as for fever (see page248). Bathe the eyes with a saline solution (1 tsp salt to ¾ cupboiled, cooled water).CAUTION If fever persists, or if the child feels ill after the rash beginsto fade or has an earache, see a doctor within 12 hours.MUMPSA viral infection of certain salivary glands (the parotids in frontof the ear and the submandibulars in the lower jaw), mumps isspread by droplets of mucus expelled in coughs and sneezes. Theincubation period is 2–3 weeks and a child may be infectious fora week before the symptoms appear. These include fever, headache,and pain in front of the ears as the glands become swollen. Theswelling subsides within ten days, during which time a child is stillinfectious. Complications may include meningitis or inflammationof the pancreas, ovaries, or testes. Rarely, the effect of this disorderon the reproductive organs results in sterility.SELF-HELP Avoid acidic drinks, such as citrus fruit juices, since thesewill stimulate the salivary glands, causing pain.CAUTION If there is a severe headache, oversensitivity to light,confusion, drowsiness, or any other symptoms of meningitis, seea doctor within two hours. If the testicles or ovaries are painful,see a doctor within 12 hours.SPECIFIC AILMENTFirst stage of chicken poxChicken pox withrestlessnessChicken pox with lackof thirst during feverFirst stage of measleswith lack of thirstduring feverSecond stage of measleswith dry, hacking coughSecond stage of measleswith a rash that is slowto disappearMumps with suddenonset of fever andflushed faceMumps with pain in theears on swallowingMumps with perspirationand dribblingwhen asleepPHYSICAL SYMPTOMS• Sudden rise in temperature• Hot, flushed face, with cold extremities(fingers, hands, toes, and feet)• Possible staring eyes• Sensitivity to noise and light• Extremely itchy rash• Fever• Restlessness• Headache that develops from a stiff neck• Lack of thirst despite high temperature• Typical rash• Thick, bland, yellow discharge from the nose• Chilliness but a desire for fresh air• Lack of thirst despite high temperature• Oversensitivity to light• Dry cough at night with mucus coughed up inthe morning, and thick, green catarrh by day• Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea• Tiny, raised white spots in the mouth• Rash appears slowly• Fever• Great but infrequent thirst• Dry, hacking cough• Headache that is worse for coughing• Rash disappears very slowly• Spots turn purple• Increased appetite• Great desire for sweet foods• Sudden rise in temperature• Hot, flushed face• Parotid gland on the right side isworse affected• Wide, staring eyes• Pain on swallowing that extends from thethroat to the ears• Submandibular glands are swollen and as hardas stones• Restlessness and a desire to move, butmovement makes the symptoms worse• Glands on the right are the worse affected• Offensive-smelling and unpleasant-tastingsaliva that dribbles onto the pillowduring sleep• Offensive-smelling, copious perspiration• Tongue is swollen, with tooth imprints