Impetigo is a contagious superficial bacterial infection that is most common among preschool and school age children. The disease is characterized by the presence of blisters or red sores on the skin. It exists in two forms, bullous and non bullous. Non bullous Impetigo is more contagious as compared to bullous.
It is caused by Staphylococcus Aureus bacteria, Group A Streptococcus bacteria or a combination of both these bacteria. These bacteria generally enter the skin through pre existing skin lesions or cuts.
The bacterial infection leads to the formation of large fluid filled blisters, usually around the nose and mouth. The condition usually heals on its own within two to three weeks but may create complications in certain individuals.
Impetigo can be cured with help of conventional as well natural treatments. The conventional treatment calls for the use of antibiotic medicines and creams whereas the home treatment makes use of holistic natural home remedies for Impetigo. Maintaining proper personal hygiene also helps in preventing and curing this disease.
Causes of Impetigo
Impetigo, being a highly contagious disease is mostly spread by direct contact usually through the sores or nasal discharge of the infected individual.
Engaging in sports requiring close contact, like wrestling, football, etc may increase the risk of contracting this disease. Broken skin or skin bearing cuts or lesions is more susceptible to this disease.
Pre existing eczema, insect bite, burn or allergic reaction caused by poison ivy or any chemicals may also contribute in causing this irritating skin condition. The disease may also appear on healthy skin. Warm and humid temperatures also encourage this skin disease.
Symptoms of Impetigo
As already mentioned, Impetigo can be of two types, that is, bullous and non bullous. Bullous Impetigo is characterized by fragile blisters that tend to break easily and appear even without any prior trauma to the skin. In certain cases, it may also cause symptoms like fever, diarrhoea and a general feeling of fatigue.
On the other hand, non bullous Impetigo is characterized by small blisters with yellow or honey colored crusts. Non bullous Impetigo is more common than bullous Impetigo. The nose, mouth, neck, forearms and hands are the common sites of this infectious disease.
Small children are more likely to develop Impetigo blisters in the diaper area. In most of the cases the blisters are small in size but present in large clusters and cause itching and burning sensations. The lymph nodes near the site of infection may also swell due to this disease.
Impetigo usually starts as a single rash but tends to spread further on other areas as well due to scratching. In severe cases the pus-filled tender sores may worsen and turn in to deep ulcers (Ecthyma).
Natural Home Remedies for Impetigo
- 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.
Diet for Impetigo
The diet for dealing with Impetigo should focus on inclusion of a variety of fresh fruits, vegetables and their juices. Orange, pineapple, papaya, pear, apple, grapes and other such fruits and their juices are highly beneficial in this regard.
In fact, it is often recommended to adopt an all fruits diet, consisting of fruits and fruit juices for about two to three days and then gradually proceed towards a normal healthy diet.
Besides, restrict the consumption of highly flavored foods and condiments. Processed and packaged food products prepared from refined white flour should also be avoided as much as possible in order to facilitate the process of healing.
Moreover, prevent Impetigo disease from spreading further by maintaining adequate personal hygiene. For this, wash the clothes, sheets, pillows etc of the infected individual with warm water and avoid sharing the clothes, towels and other such personal objects of the infected individual.
Source :Speedy Remedies
Source :Speedy Remedies