If you have had impetigo, you’re sure to know that it can cause a great deal of discomfort. It is an extremely contagious skin disorder that is most common in warm, humid conditions among children between ages 2 and 5 but can affect older people as well. It is caused by either of the two bacteria Streptococcus pyogenes and Staphylococcus aureus, which enter the body through an open wound, irritated skin, or an insect bite.
This contagious disease is characterized by red sores – especially around the mouth, hands, and feet. The sores pop and leave behind a honey-colored crust. While the infection isn’t very serious and goes away in about 2 weeks, treatment is recommended to prevent the infection from spreading to others. 1
Looking to treat impetigo? Try these 7 simple home remedies.
7 Home Remedies For Impetigo
1. Tea Tree Oil
This oil is known to treat severe skin infections. It is also said to be effective against impetigo thanks to its strong antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.2
How To Use
- Add a few drops of tea tree oil to about 1 tbsp olive oil and mix.
- Apply the mixture on all affected parts of your skin, and leave it on for half an hour.
- Rinse thoroughly with warm water.
- Do this about 2–3 times every day for a few days till you feel relief.
2. Garlic
Apart from being a detoxifying food alongside adding great flavor to food, garlic is also said to treat impetigo. Because of its antibacterial and antimicrobial properties from the compound allicin, garlic is quite effective against bacteria at most pH levels and temperatures.3
How To Use
- One great way to rid yourself of impetigo sores is by including raw garlic in your diet.
- If eating raw garlic doesn’t suit you, crush 3–4 cloves of raw garlic and apply the paste on the sores; wash it off after about 10 minutes.
- You could also use garlic oil on the sores for relief. Simply heat 2–3 chopped garlic cloves with about 2–3 tbsp sesame oil. Cool and apply the strained oil on the sores twice every day for a few days.
3. Heat Therapy
Heat therapy is said to kill bacteria, reducing the chances of impetigo infection. It is also said to help the sores dry up.
How To Use
- Dip a soft cloth into some hot water, and wring out the excess water.
- Leave the warm cloth on your skin for a while, and let it soothe your skin and sores.
- Do this a few times for a few days for relief.
4. Grapefruit Seed Extract
Grapefruit seed extract is said to work quite well against impetigo sores because of its antibacterial properties.4
How To Use
- Add a few drops of grapefruit seed extract to 2 tbsp water. Mix thoroughly.
- Dip a cotton ball into the solution, and apply it on your sores.
You may experience mild itchiness when you apply this solution. If this happens, don’t touch or itch yourself and let the extract work its magic.
5. Goldenseal
Goldenseal is a popular remedy for skin infections; it has antimicrobial properties, which could also help against impetigo.5
How To Use
- Add 1 tsp goldenseal powder to 1 cup water and boil to make goldenseal tea.
- Strain and allow it to cool.
- Dab the tea on the sores with a soft cloth. This heals the sores and removes the crust around them.
6. Manuka Honey
This kind of honey has been found to be quite effective against all kinds of ailments ranging from a sore throat to skin diseases. That said, it could also be quite useful for treating impetigo thanks to its strong antibacterial properties.6
How To Use
- Take 1–2 tbsp manuka honey and rub it on the affected parts of your skin.
- Leave it on for a while, and wash off the honey with warm water.
- Do this a few times every day for maximum relief.
7. Apple Cider Vinegar
While apple cider vinegar is often a popular choice for great skin, it is also said to be great for impetigo.
How To Use
- Add 1 tsp apple cider vinegar to half a glass of water and mix well.
- Dip some clean cotton into this solution; squeeze out the excess solution and gently dab the cotton on your sores for relief.
Preventing Impetigo
Because impetigo is quite common and contagious, it’s a good idea to take some simple steps to prevent the disease.
- Due to the common occurrence of impetigo in young children, kids should wash their hands properly with unscented soap – especially when they come from playing outside.
- Keeping fingernails trimmed at all times can prevent the growth of bacteria and other microbes under nails.
- A balanced diet with a lot of fresh fruits and lean proteins will keep you healthy and prevent the occurrence of bacterial infections.
Try these simple yet great home remedies, and say goodbye to impetigo!
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