What is impetigo?

Impetigo is a common contagious skin infection, most commonly affecting the legs, arms or face. It may occur in other areas of the body. Medical attention should be sought in cases of impetigo however naturopathic treatments can be used as additional remedies.

If you suspect impetigo or a severe skin infection of any kind please seek urgent medical advice to avoid further complications.

Impetigo is caused by Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes bacteria. Infection results in a rash that looks like raised, swollen, itchy, and oozing red sores.

Causes of impetigo:

The infection often begins in minor cuts, insect bites, or a rash such as eczema, any place where the skin is broken. However, it can also occur on healthy, unbroken skin. It’s known as primary impetigo when it infects healthy skin and is referred to as secondary impetigo when it occurs in broken skin.

Impetigo is an infection caused by strains of staphylococcus (staph) or streptococcus (strep) bacteria. These bacteria can get into your body through a break in the skin from a cut, scratch, insect bite, or rash. Then, they can invade and colonize.

Bacteria thrive in hot, moist conditions, therefore, impetigo tends to be seasonal, peaking in the summer. In warm and humid climates, it tends to be around all year.

The first signs of impetigo are reddish sores on the skin. These sores quickly grow into blisters, ooze and burst, and then form a yellowish crust. The clusters of blisters may expand to cover more of the skin. Sometimes the red spots just develop a yellowish crust without any blisters being seen.

The sores can be itchy and occasionally painful. After the crust phase, they form red marks that fade without leaving scars.

Our picks for impetigo

ENT Zinc & Silver Spray: Silver-based antimicrobials are promising to combat strains of Staphylococcus [i]

Alliderm Gel (30ml): Garlic has historically been used to treat bacterial, viral, and fungal infections. Garlic extracts may suppress both bacteria strains that cause impetigo. One study showed it had some effectiveness in the lab against Staphylococcus. Another study conducted that year mentioned its effectiveness for Streptococcus strains[ii].

Grapefruit Seed Extract 400mg: Grapefruit seed may help manage impetigo. Studies of grapefruit peel extract showed it had antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus[iii].