Foods to avoid when you have chickenpox: What to skip and what to eat for faster healing

Chickenpox can be a highly uncomfortable and itchy viral infection that affects both children and adults. It often begins with mild flu-like symptoms such as fever, fatigue, and body aches, followed by the appearance of red, fluid-filled blisters that spread across the body. These blisters can also develop inside the mouth and throat, making eating and drinking painful. While there is no special “chickenpox diet,” what you consume during this time can significantly influence how quickly you recover and how comfortable you feel. Certain foods can irritate mouth ulcers, increase inflammation, or slow down healing, while others can soothe discomfort and support recovery. Choosing the right foods and avoiding the wrong ones can help manage symptoms, maintain hydration, and speed up the body’s natural healing process.




Foods to avoid during chickenpox for faster recovery

Chickenpox is caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV), a contagious virus that spreads through coughing, sneezing, or direct contact with blisters. It usually starts with fever, fatigue, and loss of appetite, followed by red, itchy blisters that scab over within a week. While more common in children, adults can also be affected and may experience more severe symptoms. Painful blisters can appear inside the mouth and throat, making eating and drinking difficult. Since there’s no specific cure, recovery depends on rest, hydration, and eating soothing foods while avoiding those that worsen irritation.


Avoid salty and processed foods

During chickenpox, mouth ulcers and throat blisters are often sensitive and easily irritated. Salty foods such as chips, fries, pickles, and packaged snacks can sting these open sores, causing a burning sensation and pain while eating. Additionally, salty and processed foods tend to dehydrate the body, which is harmful when you already have a fever and need more fluids. They also offer very little nutritional value and are high in unhealthy fats and additives that can slow the healing process. Instead, focus on freshly prepared, low-sodium meals like boiled vegetables, rice, or light soups that are gentle on the stomach and help maintain hydration.


Skip spicy and hot meals

Spicy foods such as curries, chilli-based dishes, and heavily seasoned meals can worsen inflammation and discomfort in your mouth and throat. Ingredients like red chilli, black pepper, and vinegar can aggravate blisters, leading to a burning sensation and more irritation. Hot and oily foods can also increase body heat, which may worsen itching and make it harder for the rash to dry out. To reduce discomfort, choose mild, bland meals like soft porridge, khichdi, or plain boiled vegetables. These foods are easy to swallow, help calm the digestive system, and promote faster healing without irritating mouth ulcers.


Stay away from crunchy and hard foods

Crunchy or coarse foods such as toast, crackers, pretzels, popcorn, or fried snacks can scrape against the tender sores inside your mouth and throat, making them more painful and prone to infection. Since chickenpox already weakens the body, it’s important to eat foods that are easy to chew and swallow. Instead of hard, crunchy items, choose soft-textured meals like mashed potatoes, oatmeal, or lentil soup. These foods are soothing, filling, and less likely to cause irritation. Keeping your meals soft also ensures that you can eat comfortably without further damaging the delicate lining of your mouth.


Limit acidic foods and juices

Acidic fruits and juices, including oranges, lemons, pineapples, and tomatoes, can sting open blisters and cause a burning sensation in the mouth and throat. The acid can also upset your stomach, especially when you’re already weak or feverish. During chickenpox, the goal is to keep your body cool and calm, and acidic foods do the opposite; they increase irritation and discomfort. Replace these with mild, non-acidic fruits such as bananas, papayas, and melons, which are rich in nutrients and gentle on the stomach. These fruits also help maintain hydration and provide vitamins that support the healing process without causing pain.


Reduce foods high in L-arginine

Some research suggests that the amino acid L-arginine may promote the growth of viruses, including the varicella-zoster virus that causes chickenpox. For instance, according to a study published in the Future Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, the amino acid L-arginine is required by certain viruses for replication and should therefore be limited during viral infections such as chickenpox. The study highlights that reducing L-arginine intake, commonly found in foods like meat, fish, nuts, seeds, and dairy, may help slow down viral activity and support faster recovery.

Consuming too much of these foods could, in theory, delay the healing of blisters or prolong the infection. Instead, opt for plant-based proteins such as lentils, cooked vegetables, and soft legumes. These are easier to digest, less inflammatory, and provide essential nutrients without feeding viral activity. Eating a light, balanced diet helps the immune system work efficiently and supports faster recovery.



Best foods to eat during chickenpox for comfort and healing

Choosing gentle, nutrient-rich foods can make eating easier and help your body heal faster.

• Soft and bland meals are your best friends: Stick to easy-to-swallow foods like mashed potatoes, oatmeal, khichdi (rice and lentil porridge), or clear soups. These dishes are gentle on the mouth ulcers and provide warmth and energy.
• Cooling and soothing foods bring relief: Cold foods help numb mouth pain and soothe itching from within. Try smoothies, yoghurt, ice pops, or milkshakes made with mild fruits like banana or pear.
• Stay hydrated with gentle fluids: Fluids are vital when you have a fever. Drink plenty of water, coconut water, and mild broths to stay hydrated. Avoid soft drinks and caffeinated beverages, which can cause further dehydration.
• Eat immune-boosting, easy-to-digest foods: Mildly cooked vegetables, boiled rice, and light soups provide vitamins and minerals that strengthen immunity without irritating your stomach.

If swallowing solid food is difficult, focus on liquids like porridge, broth, or smoothies, they’re easier to digest and won’t aggravate blisters.


Importance of hydration and rest during chickenpox

When you have chickenpox, fever and mouth pain can make it hard to eat or drink, increasing the risk of dehydration. Drinking enough fluids helps your body fight infection and flush out toxins. Herbal teas, coconut water, and clear soups can help maintain hydration levels.
Rest is equally important. Since chickenpox can cause fatigue, getting plenty of sleep gives your immune system time to repair and recover. Keeping your skin clean, avoiding scratching, and wearing loose cotton clothes also help prevent infection and promote faster healing.

There’s no fixed chickenpox diet, but what you eat can ease symptoms and aid recovery. Avoid spicy, salty, crunchy, and acidic foods that can worsen pain. Instead, choose soft, soothing, and hydrating meals that are easy on the mouth and throat. With rest, proper hydration, and a gentle diet, you can support your body’s natural healing process and recover comfortably.


Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical condition or lifestyle change.


Also Read: Boiling or steaming vegetables: Which cooking method retains more nutrients