Probable scientific reasons behind Indian Great Grandma's myths about chicken pox !!
Chicken Pox (popularly known as 'maata' meaning Goddess in India) is caused by Varicella Zoster Virus.
Recently I got this disease and because I live in a typical Hindu Indian family, my disease was nothing less than a mourning "festival". I am a doctor myself and I knew about the antiviral treatment to be taken during this illness. But in addition to a traditional treatment, my mother did all sorts of rituals which many have been following without trying to find out if there is a logic behind them. While sitting in isolation and keenly observing all those things, I tried to solve the mystery myself.
Myth #1. It is Goddess entry into the body and NOTHING should be done actively to send it away.
Reason: May be someone quite intelligent realized it long back that chicken pox actually comes and goes by itself even without treatment(like most other viral diseases).
Myth #2.No worshiping and oil lamp in the house till the scabs start falling.
Reason: Smoke from oil lamp and scented sticks (used in Hindu pujas)might cause itching leading to scratching and subsequent bacterial infection.
Myth #3.No fried food should be prepared in the patient's home.
Reason: Firstly, the patient should not eat oily food because the disease itself affects liver and its capacity to digest fats is decreased.
Secondly, preparation of oily food leads to more smoke production which may cause itching.
Myth #4.No one should go near the patient.
Reason: Isolation of the patient prevents disease spread.
Myth #5.A bowl filled with water should be kept near the head end of the patient's bed.
Reason: Probably for the patient to drink so that he didn't go around spreading infection.
Myth #6.Neem leaves should be tied at the entrance.
Reason: Warning for others to try not to visit if not necessary.
Myth #7.Neem leaves to be kept all around the patient and first bath after disease to be taken with neem leaves water.
Reason: Neem leaves have antibacterial properties and also prevent mosquitoes from biting the already scratching patient.
Myth #8.Not to take bath during active disease.
Reason:Vigorous scrubbing may cause excoriation of lesions leading to bacterial infection.
Whether you follow your grandma's advice or not,cleanliness is the key along with isolation of the patient to prevent further spread.
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