Foods Not To Eat During Chickenpox: Chickenpox, caused by the varicella-zoster virus, leads to itchy blisters and mouth sores. Certain foods can worsen irritation, increase itching, and slow healing. Here’s what to avoid and what to eat instead for a smoother recovery.
What Not To Eat During Chickenpox?
Table of Contents
Recommended Reading: Can You Still Get Chickenpox If Vaccinated?
Foods to Avoid During Chickenpox
These are the foods Not To Eat During Chickenpox?
1. Spicy & Salty Foods (Irritate Mouth Sores & Skin)
❌ Chili peppers, hot sauce, salty chips, pickles
⚠️ Why? Spices and salt increase burning sensation in mouth ulcers and worsen itching.
2. Acidic Foods (Aggravate Blisters & Inflammation)
❌ Oranges, lemons, tomatoes, vinegar, pineapple, grapes
⚠️ Why? High acidity stings open sores and increases discomfort.
3. Crunchy & Hard Foods (Painful to Chew)
❌ Nuts, popcorn, chips, pretzels, toast
⚠️ Why? Sharp edges can scratch blisters inside the mouth.
4. Fatty & Fried Foods (Slow Digestion & Healing)
❌ Butter, cheese, red meat, samosas, fried snacks
⚠️ Why? Heavy foods increase inflammation and weaken immunity.
5. Sugary Foods & Drinks (Suppress Immune System)
❌ Candy, soda, desserts, chocolate, ice cream
⚠️ Why? Excess sugar weakens white blood cells, delaying recovery.
6. Dairy Products (May Increase Mucus & Itching)
❌ Milk, yogurt, heavy cream (for some people)
⚠️ Why? Can trigger phlegm production, worsening throat sores.
7. Allergenic Foods (Risk of Reactions)
❌ Peanuts, shellfish, eggs (if allergic)
⚠️ Why? Allergies add stress to an already weakened immune system.
Best Foods to Eat During Chickenpox
1. Soft & Bland Foods (Easy to Swallow)
✅ Oatmeal, mashed potatoes, rice porridge, dal (lentil soup)
✔ Gentle on mouth sores
2. Cooling & Hydrating Fruits
✅ Bananas, watermelon, cantaloupe, steamed apples
✔ Reduce fever & soothe throat
3. Protein-Rich (For Healing)
✅ Boiled eggs, steamed fish, tofu, mung bean soup
✔ Repairs skin & boosts immunity
4. Herbal Teas & Fluids (Prevent Dehydration)
✅ Coconut water, chamomile tea, barley water
✔ Flushes out toxins
5. Vitamin C-Rich (Immune Support)
✅ Steamed carrots, pumpkin, spinach (not raw)
✔ Speeds up recovery
FAQs
1. Can I eat chocolate during chickenpox?
→ No, sugar weakens immunity, and dairy may worsen itching.
2. Is yogurt good for chickenpox?
→ Plain, unsweetened yogurt is okay, but avoid if it increases mucus.
3. Why avoid spicy food?
→ It burns mouth ulcers and increases skin irritation.
4. Can I drink milk?
→ Yes, but warm (not cold)—some find it soothing, others get more phlegm.
5. How long should I follow this diet?
→ Until sores heal completely (usually 7-10 days).
Final Tips for Faster Recovery
✔ Stay hydrated (water, herbal teas)
✔ Eat small, frequent meals (easier to digest)
✔ Avoid scratching (to prevent infections)
✔ Use calamine lotion & oatmeal baths for itching
Need more health tips? Visit QnA Doseway for expert advice!
