Q My son has just contracted chicken pox. When I had the infection as a child, I was not allowed to eat dark soya sauce, seafood and eggs during infection and for at least three months after that. I was told this would prevent scarring.
Are these food restrictions real? Also, how can scarring be prevented?

A Chicken pox is a common infectious disease, caused by the varicella-zoster virus (right). It can spread by direct contact or inhalation of air droplets from an infected person's coughing or sneezing.

The characteristic blisters of chicken pox may appear on the entire body, noticeably on the face, body and scalp. These eventually dry up and form scabs that fall off the body within one to three weeks.

Scarring from chicken pox is a common concern among sufferers. It is believed that consuming dark soya sauce and food like seafood and eggs can predispose one to scarring; the former is thought to hinder the scars from lightening and the latter are considered 'poisonous'. These beliefs are without scientific evidence. There is actually no food restriction during and after the course of infection. Abstaining from 'poisonous' food like seafood and eggs to prevent scarring are old beliefs that could have been extrapolated from food allergies (like seafood allergies).

Your child will need to observe food restriction only if he is allergic to certain food. If he has blisters in the mouth, it would be advisable to avoid acidic, salty, spicy and sharp food (for example, potato chips, crackers) to prevent irritation to the blisters.

To prevent scarring, do not scratch or poke at the blisters or scabs. Bathing with a gentle soap and the application of calamine lotion or a cool wet compress can be used to soothe the itch. Medication (that is, anti-histamines) may also be taken to help relieve the itch. Do consult your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

JOSHUA WONG MUN YEW, PHARMACIST, PHARMACEUTICAL SOCIETY OF SINGAPORE

More information and advice can be obtained from your pharmacist.

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