Natural Wellness, Beauty & Lifestyle |

Impetigo

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

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].


Want more Advice?

Talk to Us
Want more Advice?

Related Products

Disclaimer

Please note that the information contained within this website does not and should not replace medical advice, and is not intended to treat or diagnose. We always recommend you consult with your doctor. Our Nutritional Therapy team is highly trained and we offer one to one Nutritional Therapy Consultations, which are designed to be complementary to any medical treatment from a functional medicine approach, as well as offering a preventative & optimal health focus.