Effective home remedies to cure Impetigo

Impetigo is a highly contagious skin condition common in young children that usually affects the face, neck, hands, and around the diaper area. In rare cases impetigo can also affect adults. Impetigo is caused by bacteria, streptococcus pyogenes and staphylococcus aureus and the impetigo cure depends on which bacteria are causing it. The condition usually goes away within two to three weeks. It can be easily treated with home remedies for impetigo, however before we learn about natural cures for impetigo, let’s learn more about the disease.

Types of impetigo

• Impetigo contagiosa: The most common and highly contagious type of impetigo in children. It begins with red sores around the nose and mouth.
• Bullous impetigo: This type of the condition is most common in children under age two. It starts with blisters on the torso, arms, and legs.
• Ecythma: This type affects the second layer of the skin, making it the most serious type. In this case the blisters are painful and may even turn into ulcers, or open sores.

Causes and symptoms of impetigo

Since impetigo occurs when certain types of bacteria infect the skin, its most common causes include skin-to-skin contact with a person who has impetigo, transfer of bacteria from a person with the disease through towels, bedding, and toys, insect bites, and animal bites. The most common symptoms include red sores, blisters, itchiness, rashes, lesions and swollen lymph nodes on the skin.

Here are some do-it-yourself ways to treat impetigo

Grapefruit seed extract

The extract has strong antioxidant and disinfectant properties. It can be highly effective in treating topical skin infections including impetigo. You can just apply some grapefruit seed extract over the affected area or add some aloe vera juice to prepare a mixture that feels cool on the skin and prevents itching sooner.

Heat the affected area

Some researchers have found that heat can be effective in curing impetigo. Using a blow dryer to heat the affected area can help with the symptoms. However, consult your doctor before trying any home remedy.

Colloidal silver and turmeric

A paste of colloidal silver and turmeric can also be very effective in easing the symptoms of impetigo. Apply the paste on the affected area twice a day for best results.

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