Impetigo

Impetigo is a bacterial infection that is most common among children ages 2 to 6 years old. This kind of infection usually occurs during the summer months. Impetigo is more likely to develop in the skin which undergoes irritations or injured by some other common skin infection such as:

• Eczema
• Poison ivy
• Insect bites
• Skin allergy

Types of impetigo infection:

• Impetigo contagiousa: – lesions surrounded by reddened skin and filled with pus
• Bullous impetigo: – causes painless, fluid-filled blisters on the trunk, arms and legs
• Ecthyma: – infection penetrates deeper into the second layer of the skin

Causes of Impetigo

Generally impetigo is caused by two kinds of bacteria:

• Streptococcus or staphylococcus aureus
• Streptococcus pyogenes

Other causes of Impetigo

• Injury to the skin
• Reaction from other skin diseases
• Rashes due to repetitive scratching
• Chemical reaction from bedding, clothes or soaps

Symptoms of Impetigo

• Painful fluid and/or pus-filled sores that turn into deep ulcers
• Gray-yellow crust covering the sores of affected area
• Swollen lymph glands in the affected area
• Scars that remain even after the ulcers heal

Treatment / home remedies for Impetigo

Apple Cider Vinegar:
Soaking the affected areas of skin with a vinegar solution is a very good remedy for Impetigo. Mix 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to 1 pint of water and soak for 20 minutes. This makes it easier to gently remove the scabs.

Lavender, Tea Tree, and peppermint oil:
Adding 8-12 drops of tea tree, or lavender or peppermint oil to the bath water is one of the noted home remedy for Impetigo. The oil acts as a disinfectant and helps the skin to heal.

OTC drugs can be an alternative for home remedy for speedy healing of lesions. Do it after washing the affected area with mild germicidal soap

Prevention for Impetigo

Practice good proper hygiene
Avoid physical contact with affected person