Coconut Water Often Considered a Chickenpox Medicine, IDAI Stresses That There Is No Scientific Evidence

Illustration of coconut water. (Freepik)

JAKARTA - Coconut water is often trusted by the community as an alternative medicine to help cure various diseases, including chickenpox.

This natural drink is often given to relieve complaints during illness, such as itching or discomfort on the skin. This belief has long been developed in an inherited manner, although the benefits are often based more on personal experience than scientific evidence.

The Indonesian Association of Pediatricians (IDAI) said that until now there is no sufficient scientific evidence regarding the assumption that coconut water can reduce itching in people with varicella or chickenpox.

"There is no scientific evidence that coconut water reduces itching (due to chickenpox), but (coconut water) can be given to children," said Member of the IDAI Tropical Disease Infection Coordination Working Unit (UKK) Dr. dr. Ratni Indrawanti, Sp.A, Subsp.I.P.T(K) in an online discussion in Jakarta, recently.

Ratni explained that the benefits of coconut water that have so far been scientifically proven are its high electrolyte content, especially potassium, which plays an important role in maintaining fluid balance in the body. This content is useful for preventing dehydration, especially in children who are sick.

The benefits of coconut water in maintaining body fitness have also long been trusted by the community since ancient times. This drink is often chosen as a natural choice to help restore the body's condition because of its refreshing and easy-to-consume properties.

However, when specifically associated with efforts to reduce itching in patients with chickenpox, Ratni assessed that further research was still needed. Additional scientific studies are needed so that information regarding the functions and benefits of coconut water can be updated and accurately conveyed to the public.

However, Ratni said that coconut water is still safe for consumption by chickenpox patients as long as it does not cause other complaints. Drinking coconut water can be part of daily fluid intake, especially when the body needs adequate hydration.

On this occasion, Ratni also reminded parents to be more selective in finding information about chickenpox. He emphasized the importance of relying on credible and medically based information sources, and not easily believing in myths that are still widely circulated in the community.

Varicella or chickenpox is a primary infection caused by the varicella zoster virus (VZV). This disease is characterized by fever and the appearance of small fluid-filled blisters that spread throughout the body or are known as generalized vesicular rash.

Chickenpox generally attacks children and has a high transmission rate, especially in closed spaces such as schools, treatment wards, or home environments. Transmission can occur through direct contact or droplet splashes.

Actually, chickenpox is a disease that can be prevented through immunization. IDAI has recommended the administration of a varicella vaccine injected subcutaneously starting at 12 months of age.

In children aged 1 to 12 years, the vaccine is given in two doses with an interval of 6 weeks to 3 months. Meanwhile, in the age of 13 years or more, the interval between doses ranges from 4 to 6 weeks. For children aged 2 years or more who have not received MR/MMR and varicella vaccines, MMRV vaccine can be given as a primary dose.

Meanwhile, for children under the age of 2 years who have previously received MR/MMR or varicella, the MMRV vaccine can be given as a booster dose.