Impetigo treatment

Prevent, alleviate, or heal disease—naturally.

Meet our practitioners who specialize in natural Impetigo treatment

How it works

Consult with our health coaches who will learn about your symptoms, habits, and goals.

Take personalized home health tests to discover potential root causes of any symptoms or conditions you may have.

Review your results in just days with our functional medicine doctors, nurses, and dietitians who will help you achieve optimal health.

Learn about Impetigo

Impetigo is a highly contagious skin infection commonly impacting children, although it can affect adults as well. This condition is characterized by red sores or blisters on the face, neck, hands, and diaper area, which can rupture, ooze, and develop a honey-colored crust. Impetigo's prevalence is worldwide, with millions of cases diagnosed annually. It tends to occur more frequently in warm, humid climates and is often spread in close-contact environments, such as schools and sports facilities. Understanding natural treatments for Impetigo not only helps in managing the condition but also in reducing reliance on antibiotics, which is crucial given the rising concern of antibiotic resistance.

Causes

Impetigo is primarily caused by two types of bacteria: Staphylococcus aureus (staph) and Streptococcus pyogenes (strep). These bacteria can enter the skin through minor cuts, insect bites, or other skin injuries, or even through healthy skin. The infection is highly contagious and can be spread through direct contact with an infected person or by touching objects, like towels and toys, that have been contaminated with the bacteria.

Signs and symptoms

- Red sores or blisters that quickly rupture - Honey-colored crusts that form after the sores burst - Itching and soreness around the affected area - Swollen lymph nodes near the infection

Diagnosing Impetigo

Diagnosis of Impetigo primarily involves physical examination by a healthcare provider. In some cases, a culture of the bacteria may be taken, especially if the infection does not respond to initial treatment. This involves gently swabbing a bit of the fluid from blisters or crusts and sending it to a lab to identify the bacteria. Diagnosing the type of bacteria can help in choosing the most effective treatment.

Prevention and natural treatment

Prevention: Good hygiene is the cornerstone of preventing Impetigo. This includes regular hand washing, keeping nails trimmed and clean, avoiding sharing personal items like towels and toys, and covering any cuts, scrapes, or insect bites with bandages to limit the chances of bacterial entry. Treatment: For natural and functional medicine approaches to treating Impetigo, boosting the immune system and applying topical natural remedies are key. Internally, ensuring a healthy diet rich in vitamins and minerals can support the body's natural defense mechanisms. Supplementing with vitamin C, zinc, and probiotics can also enhance immune function. Topically, honey, especially medical-grade manuka honey, has been shown to possess antibacterial properties and can be applied to the affected area to speed up healing. Tea tree oil, diluted in a carrier oil, may also act as a natural antiseptic to be applied directly to sores or blisters. Aloe vera gel can soothe the skin and reduce itching associated with Impetigo. It's crucial to balance natural treatments with medical advice, especially in severe cases of Impetigo or when not responding to initial treatments. Consultation with a healthcare provider is recommended to determine when more conventional antibiotic treatments may be necessary to prevent complications or the spread of infection.

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