Impetigo

Impetigo is a highly contagious bacterial skin infection most common among pre-school children. It is primarily caused by Staphylococcus aureus, and sometimes by Streptococcus pyogenes. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, both bullous and nonbullous are primarily caused by Staphylococcus aureus, with Streptococcus also commonly being involved in the nonbullous form.

Symptoms

• Impetigo contagiosa : This common form of impetigo, also called nonbullous impetigo, most often begins as a red sore near the nose or mouth which soon breaks, leaking pus or fluid, and forms a honey-colored scab, followed by a red mark which heals without leaving a scar. Sores are not painful, but may be itchy. Lymph nodes in the affected area may be swollen, but fever is rare. Touching or scratching the sores may easily spread the infection to other parts of the body.
• Bullous impetigo, mainly seen in children younger than 2 years, involves painless, fluid-filled blisters, mostly on the arms, legs and trunk, surrounded by red and itchy (but not sore) skin. The blisters may be large or small. After they break, they form yellow scabs.
• Ecthyma : In this form of impetigo, painful fluid- or pus-filled sores, usually on the arms and legs, become ulcers that penetrate deeper into the dermis. After they break open, they form hard, thick, gray-yellow scabs, which sometimes leave scars. It may be accompanied by swollen lymph nodes in the affected area.

Home remedies

• Applying crushed garlic on the affected area is one of the simplest and equally effective natural home remedies for Impetigo home treatment. In addition to this, consumption of two or three garlic cloves on a regular basis also aids in the healing process.
• Aloe Vera gel also helps to cure Impetigo naturally when used regularly four to five times a day.
• Olive Oil, garlic oil, tea tree oil and grapefruit seed extract are excellent therapeutic home remedies for Impetigo.
• Using Apple cider vinegar for cleaning the affected area helps to remove Impetigo scabs. For, this one fourth cup of apple cider vinegar should be used after adding two cups of water in it.
• Take one fourth cup each of thyme and rosemary leaves and simmer in approximately two cups of water for about 15 minutes. Finally, use this home remedy on Impetigo sores to cure them in a natural way. When used regularly as a cleaning mixture, this safe Impetigo natural remdy gives encouraging results.
• Turnip is regarded as the one of the best Impetigo home remedies. For this, slices of turnip should be soaked in rice water or natural vinegar for about six hours. Then, eat these turnip slices on a regular basis as an effective natural remedy for Impetigo disease.
• Tea tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia) is active against several different germs, including Staphylococcus aureus, which causes impetigo
• Homeopathy : Antimonium Tartaricum

Medical Disclaimer

This information is not meant to be substituted for medical advice. Always consult a medical professional regarding any medical problems and before undertaking any treatment or dietary changes.