8 Home Remedies for Impetigo That Work Like a Charm!

by Miriam
(Fort Myers, Florida )

Here's a fast-acting home treatment for impetigo that works every time, along with other potent natural remedies that are guaranteed to get rid of this awful skin infection (for both adults & kids) quickly & effectively...

QUESTION:

Hello. My young son recently contracted impetigo (I'm guessing from one of the kids at daycare) and I noticed this morning that I now have a sore developing at the bottom of one of my nostrils! Do you have any natural or home remedies that we can use to get rid of this infection quickly (overnight would be wonderful)? I know it's highly contagious and I have 3 other kids that I don't want to end up with this. Please help!

ANSWER:

Yes, impetigo is a highly contagious bacterial skin infection that usually occurs on the face and neck, but can also make it's way down to the arms, legs, trunk and buttocks. This infection (streptococcus or staphylococcus aureus) normally affects young children and infants, but as you've recently found out, adults can also be easily infected. It doesn't take much. Touching someone directly who has impetigo will usually do it, as will touching items that an impetigo sufferer has recently been in contact with such as clothing, towels, bed sheets, toys, and so forth. The most common cause of infection, however, is through direct contact. Symptoms of impetigo include red sores that burst easily (a honey-colored crust then forms after the sore has popped), weeping fluid or pus-filled blisters, severe itchiness and rash, skin lesions/blisters, and even fever in severe cases.

Thankfully, getting rid of impetigo and it's accompanying symptoms fast is very easy to do when using specific natural treatments and home remedies.

Here's 8 of the best you might like to consider...


Home Remedy for Impetigo #1... Grapefruit Seed Extract (GSE): This should definitely be your first "go to" remedy for impetigo. Grapefruit seed extract (not to be confused with grape seed extract) is a super powerful treatment that works virtually 99.9% of the time. What's more, you will usually see your lesions starting to clear up the very next day - it works that fast. GSE contains some extremely potent antioxidant flavonoids and antibacterial/antiseptic agents that not only destroy the infection on contact, but also help with rapid healing of the sores and lessening of symptoms. (1)

For adults, you need to start off on a high dose of grapefruit seed extract, then after a week, back off the amount. So for the first week, take at least 700-1000 mg's of GSE (the capsules are the easiest), then halve the dosage after this. Continue to take for as long as required until all lesions and sores are fully healed. In addition, buy some of the liquid concentrate GSE and mix one tablespoon of filtered water with 10-12 drops of the grapefruit seed extract (you can also add a few drops of aloe vera juice if you have some for extra soothing). Using a cotton ball, wash/swab the affected areas with this solution 3-4 times throughout the day.

For children below the age of 10 and infants, use the liquid concentrate GSE both internally and externally. For internal use, mix between 1-6 drops (depending on age) in 5 ounces of juice and give 3 times a day (total of 3-18 drops daily). For teenagers and children over the age of 10, anywhere from 5-15 drops 3 times daily can be consumed. In addition to this, wash/swab the infected areas as described above with the external treatment. For babies, the external wash on it's own will be enough.

If you're interested, here's some of the best grapefruit seed extract liquids and capsules currently on the market... Grapefruit Seed Extract Liquids and Capsules.


Natural Treatment for Impetigo #2... Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV): Apple cider vinegar also works a treat for impetigo. The anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory properties contained in this remarkable food are well known. It successfully treats almost any infection and is 100% safe to use, both internally and externally.

For internal use (to destroy the infection from the inside), mix a tablespoon of organic apple cider vinegar with the "mother" (Bragg's ACV is the best if you can get it) in a glass of warm filtered water and drink down. Do this twice daily on an empty stomach. You can also add a teaspoon of Manuka honey to the mix for extra benefit and to sweeten if you struggle with the taste - or failing this, take the ACV capsules instead.

For external use, all you do is apply some of the ACV directly to any sores or lesions with a cotton ball. For children, dilute the apple cider vinegar with water to a 50/50 solution and apply. Do this 3 times daily for best results.


How to Get Rid of Impetigo Remedy 3#... Manuka Honey: Manuka honey is anti-viral, anti-fungal and anti-bacterial in nature and has been proven to slow down and even destroy the harmful MRSA infection. This one is great for kids because most love the taste of honey. Adults simply add a teaspoon to their ACV mix (as mentioned above), and children can either eat a teaspoon straight off the spoon or dissolve a teaspoon in 5 ounces of warm water and drink 3 times throughout the day. You can also apply a small amount of Manuka honey directly to any sores or lesions for extra fast healing and relief. Just make sure you use Manuka honey and not normal honey.


Home Remedy for Impetigo #4... Tea Tree Oil: Tea tree oil is renowned for helping to stop the spread of this bacterial infection. A study published in the Journal of Hospital Infection found that a 5% tea tree oil solution was just as effective as prescription antibiotics for treating the streptococcus bacteria (one of the pathogens that cause impetigo). (2)

For best results, add 3-4 drops of tea tree oil to a tablespoon of olive oil. Apply this solution thoroughly over each affected area (sores, lesions, rash). Leave to sit for 20-30 minutes before rinsing off with warm water. Repeat this 2 or 3 times daily for the next week. Alternatively, add 1-2 cups of Epsom salt and 3-5 drops of pure essential tea tree oil to a nice warm bath and soak yourself (and/or your little one) in this for 20-30 minutes.


Natural Remedy for Impetigo #5... Coconut Oil: Yet another strong anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory food. Specifically, coconut oil contains lauric acid, a powerful anti-bacterial agent that once applied to the skin, forms a formidable barrier - making it impossible for bacteria to survive. Organic virgin coconut oil is the only type you should use. For best results, apply after using a "cleansing" remedy such as the ACV, grapefruit seed extract (external wash) or tea tree oil.


Natural Treatment for Impetigo #6... Colloidal Silver: Colloidal silver is especially good for young children and infants because it doesn't burn or cause any adverse reactions. Simply apply some colloidal silver directly to the affected areas with a cotton ball or Q-tip. Continue to apply several times throughout the day for the next few days and you'll definitely see some fantastic results.


How to Get Rid of Impetigo Remedy #7... Garlic/Olive Oil: This combination not only helps to clear up the infection quickly, it's also extremely soothing and helps to stop the awful itch. Mash up one garlic clove (you need the juice) then add 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil. Mix then leave to stand for roughly one hour. Apply to any affected areas using a cotton ball or Q-tip.


Home Remedy for Impetigo #8... Turmeric: The anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties contained in turmeric make it a perfect remedy and treatment for impetigo. In fact, a study published in the Journal of Tropical Medicine found that turmeric displays strong antibacterial activity against staphylococcus aureus (the other bacteria that causes impetigo). (3)

Turmeric must be taken internally for greatest effect. Either take 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder 2-3 times daily or a total of 1500-1800 mg's of the turmeric extract capsules each day. Don't forget also that turmeric should always be taken with a healthy fat such as coconut oil and some black pepper for enhanced absorbability (black pepper actually increases the absorbability of turmeric by a massive 2000%!)


Other Essential Tips for Getting Rid of Impetigo...

- DO drink green tea: Green tea contains powerful antioxidants that are known to destroy a wide range of bacteria, including streptococcus and staphylococcus aureus.

-DO keep good hygiene habits: Wash your hands before every meal and whenever you touch any sores or lesions. Make sure your little ones do the same. Use a natural antibacterial soap.

-DO avoid touching, scratching or picking any areas affected by this skin infection

-DO avoid sharing towels and clothes with others and wash bed linen regularly

-DO keep the infected person home for a few days to prevent others from being infected

-DO keep fingernails short. Remember, bacteria, viruses and fungi love to hide under fingernails

-DO eat healthy: Low immunity is the number one reason why a person contracts impetigo. Boost your immune system by eating lots of healthy fruits and vegetables, along with immune boosting herbs and spices such as cilantro, garlic, turmeric, ginger, cayenne pepper, cinnamon and thyme.


Hope these tips & remedies help you and your son out Miranda.


Good luck & all the best!


Regards,

Troy (Nutritionist & Herbalist)