Impetigo

What is Impetigo

Impetigo is a bacterial skin infection which is highly contagious. It is most commonly found in children, although in rare cases it can be found in adults.

It is caused by the staphylococcus bacteria, and is not considered dangerous but needs to be treated to prevent spreading and infecting those who come into contact with the patient.

What are the Symptoms of Impetigo

It first appears as a small scratch or an itchy piece of inflamed skin. Small blisters then develop and these can rupture releasing a yellow fluid. The top of the blister then becomes crusty, and new blisters develop in the same place or in different parts of the body. If you notice anything like this on your child's body, visit a doctor immediately.

What are the Causes of Impetigo

Impetigo is extremely contagious. It can be spread from one person to another through touch or shared items such as clothes and towels. However a person can also spread it to another part of their own body through scratching or picking at blisters.

Complementaty/Alternative Treatments for Impetigo

For a contagious condition like impetigo, herbal remedies concentrate on preventing the spread of infection. With a cotton pad, dab echinacea extract on affected area after a bath. Alternate every five minutes with concentrated liquid whey. Continue this treatment for half an hour, repeating every two hours. The echinacea prevents infection and the whey kills the bacteria. Use only sterilized cotton to squeeze open pustules, then apply echinacea.

Calendula salve also prevents infection effectively and speeds healing. Mix with vitamin E oil and apply to affected area to promote healing without scarring.

Homeopathic remedies are an excellent form of treatment to speed healing and help protect against related illnesses. Choose one of the remedies below in a 6c strength, repeating four times daily for several days or until there is marked improvement. One dose is 2 tablets, dissolved under the tongue.

Antimonium crudum is the most typical remedy for impetigo. The *rash forms sticky, yellow crusts around the mouth and nostrils. The child is irritable and the tongue is coated white.

If the scalp is more affected and there is more pus, use Mezereum instead.

Arsenicum is helpful if the eruption is painful and *burning, and warmth relieves. The child will typically be restless, chilly and exhausted.

Hepar sulphuris is used when the rash is very sensitive to any cold draft and to touch. The pains are sticking or splinter-like.

Rhus toxicodendron is useful when the itching is particularly problematic and the rash appears in clusters of small blisters. The child feels much better while moving about.

Tissue Salts - Take 4 tablets under the tongue four times daily.

External/Physical Therapies

Bathe twice daily with soap and water and apply sterile dressings to prevent spread of infection.