Home Remedies For Impetigo

Home Remedies For ImpetigoImpetigo is one of the highly contagious bacterial infections which can be caused by either streptococcus or staphylococcus aureus bacteria. The bacteria can enter through cuts, insect bites and bruises. Although it affects people of all ages, children are more prone to develop it. Symptoms of impetigo include red sores, fluid-filled blisters, honey-colored crusts, itching and skin lesions.

Treatment for impetigo mainly depends on the severity of the infection. Severe conditions should be addressed by a doctor as soon as possible. While mild cases can be treated with the help of home remedies and proper hygiene.

How to Get Rid Of Impetigo with Home Remedies?

Below are the best 19 ways to treat impetigo at the comfort of your home. You can choose one among the methods and try it regularly to get relief from the impetigo.

1. Warm Compress

Heat is one of the best ways to cure impetigo. It will kill the bacteria that cause the infection. It also soothes the inflammation and dries out the lesions.

  • Soak a wash cloth in enough amounts of hot water.
  • Wring out the excess and place it on the infected areas.
  • Remove it after few minutes.
  • Repeat the process several times in a day.

Note: A blow dryer can be used to apply heat on the affected areas. Make sure to set the blow dryer at minimum.

2. White Vinegar

White vinegar contains antibacterial properties. It also promotes healing process and maintains the affected area clean. By following the below process you can make an antibiotic solution for treating impetigo.

  • Add 1 tablespoon of white vinegar into 2 cups of lukewarm water.
  • Using a cotton ball, wash the affected areas with the mixture.
  • Pat dry and apply any antibiotic ointment.
  • Secure the area with a bandage or gauze.
  • Repeat the process 2 – 3 times in a day until the infection clears.

Note: Avoid harshly scrubbing the area as it can irritate the skin.

3. Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil prevents the infection from spreading as it contains strong antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.

  • To 1 tablespoon of olive oil, add few drops of tea tree oil.
  • Apply the mixture on the affected areas.
  • Let it sit for 20 – 30 minutes and rinse off with lukewarm water.
  • Repeat the process 2 – 3 times in a day.
  • Note: You can also use jojoba oil instead of olive oil.

Alternative: Add few drops of tea tree oil to enough amounts of lukewarm water. Wash the infection area using the solution and pat dry.

4. Grapefruit Seed Extract

Grapefruit extract is one of the effective ways to treat impetigo as it contains antioxidant and antibacterial properties. It also works as non-toxic disinfectant.

  • To 2 tablespoons of water, add few drops of grapefruit seed extract.
  • Using a cotton ball, apply the mixture on the infected areas.
  • Leave it to dry completely.
  • Repeat the process 2 – 3 times in a day.

Note: You can also take GSE supplements to reduce impetigo. Consult a doctor before taking any supplement.

5. Garlic

Garlic is one of the best ways to treat impetigo. It contains antibiotic properties which kill the bacteria causing infection. It also relieves pain and itchiness.

  • In a pan, add 2 tablespoons of sesame oil and 2 – 3 minced garlic cloves.
  • Fry the garlic cloves for a couple of minutes and remove from the flame.
  • Let it cool down and strain.
  • Apply the oil on the affected areas.
  • Repeat the application 2 times in a day.

Note: Include garlic in your daily diet to treat the infection from inside.

6. Manuka Honey

It contains antibacterial, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and healing properties which are helpful in treating the impetigo.

  • Spread a layer of Manuka honey on the affected areas.
  • Leave it on for few hours and rinse off with lukewarm water.
  • Repeat the process daily for effective results.

For added benefits: Consume 1 – 2 teaspoons of Manuka honey daily to treat the infection from inside.

7. Goldenseal

Goldenseal is one of the herbal remedies to treat impetigo. It contains antibacterial and antiseptic properties which disinfect the sores and blisters. Apart from that, it strengthens the immune system.

  • Add 1 teaspoon of goldenseal powder into a cup of hot water.
  • Let it steep for 10 minutes.
  • Strain and let it cool down.
  • Use the solution to clean the infected areas and pat dry.
  • Repeat the process 2 – 3 times in a day.

Note: You can take herbal supplements to treat impetigo. For proper dosage, consult a doctor. You can also apply goldenseal ointment on the infected areas for 2 – 3 times in a day.

8. Aloe Vera

Aloe vera contains antibacterial, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and skin-repairing properties which are very helpful in treating impetigo.

  • Apply freshly extracted aloe vera gel on the affected areas.
  • Leave it on for 30 minutes and let it dry completely.
  • Repeat the application 2 – 3 times in a day for a week.

For added benefits: Consume aloe vera juice daily for strengthening your immune system.

9. Cleavers

Cleaver is one of the herbal remedies to treat impetigo. It deals with staph bacteria causing the infection. When consumed, it reduces the lymphatic inflammation caused by impetigo.

  • Bring a cup of water to boil.
  • Add a tablespoon of cleaver leaves into it.
  • Let it simmer for 5 minutes and remove from the flame.
  • Let it steep for 10 minutes, strain and drink it.
  • Repeat the process daily.

Note: If you don’t want to ingest cleaver tea then you can blend the leaves and apply the paste on the affected areas. Leave it on for 10 – 15 minutes. Rinse off with water and pat dry.

10. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar dries out the sores and lesions formed because of the infection. It also contains antibacterial and antiseptic properties.

  • Dilute apple cider vinegar in a cup of water.
  • Dip a cotton ball in the solution and wring out the excess.
  • Dab it gently on the impetigo sores.
  • Leave it to dry completely.
  • Repeat the process few times in a day.

11. Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is one of the radical treatments for curing impetigo. The natural acids present in coconut oil kill the bacterial strains causing the infection.

  • Using a cotton ball, apply the coconut oil on the affected areas.
  • Leave it to dry completely.
  • Repeat the process regularly to speed up the healing process.

12. Myrrh

Myrrh oil contains anti-inflammatory properties which are effective in fighting with the bacteria causing infection.

  • Combine enough amounts of myrrh oil and honey.
  • Apply the mixture on the infected areas.
  • Leave it on for 15 minutes and rinse off with water.
  • Repeat the process regularly until you notice the results.

13. Olive Oil

Olive oil contains two powerful chemicals – oleuropein and rutin which are helpful in fighting off the bacteria causing impetigo infection.

  • Apply olive oil directly on the infected areas.
  • Leave it on for some time to let the skin absorb it.
  • Using a tissue paper, wipe off the excess.
  • Repeat the process regularly for quick results.

14. Epsom Salt

This process provides relief from the itching and irritation caused by the impetigo. The antibacterial properties of Epsom salt also deals with the bacteria causing impetigo.

  • Add a cup of Epsom salt into your bathwater.
  • Soak the infected areas in it for 20 minutes.
  • Bath normally and pat dry.
  • Repeat the process regularly.

15. Lavender Oil

Lavender oil is one of the best essential oils to cure impetigo. It contains antibacterial properties which deal with the infection causing bacteria.

  • Add 1 drops of lavender oil on a cotton pad.
  • Apply it on the blisters and leave it on as long as possible.
  • Discard the cotton pad and let the area dry.
  • Repeat the process 4 times in a day.

Note: Don’t use the same cotton pad every time. Use a new one for each treatment.

16. Impetigo Healing Gel

By following the below process, you can make a healing gel which contains skin healing, antibacterial, antiseptic properties that are helpful in treating impetigo.

  • Combine 50gms of freshly extracted aloe vera gel, 12 drops of lemon grass oil and 12 drops of patchouli essential oil.
  • Apply enough amounts of the mixture on the affected areas.
  • Leave it to dry completely.
  • Repeat the application at least 3 times in a day.

Alternative: you can also make a blend of 3 drops each of lemon grass essential oil, tea tree essential oil, lavender essential oil and patchouli essential oil. Dilute the mixture in 50ml of olive oil or jojoba oil. Apply enough amounts of the mixture on the affected areas.

17. Vaseline and Cornstarch

Though it sounds weird, this combination is said to reduce the symptoms of impetigo within 48 hours. Cornstarch keeps the affected area dry and Vaseline speeds up the healing process.

  • Combine enough amounts of Vaseline and cornstarch.
  • Apply the mixture on the affected areas.
  • Leave it on for as long as possible.
  • Rinse with water and pat dry.
  • Repeat the process daily.

18. Rosemary and Thyme

This is one of the best herbal remedies to treat impetigo. This combination reduces the irritation and cures the impetigo effectively.

  • Add few rosemary and thyme leaves into a cup of water.
  • Let it simmer for 45 – 50 minutes.
  • Strain and let the mixture to cool down.
  • Wash the affected areas using the solution and gently pat dry.
  • Repeat the process regularly.

Dietary Changes to Treat or Prevent Impetigo:

  • Zinc plays main role in improving immunity. It helps to balance the normal immune response. It is also helpful in reducing the impetigo among premature babies. Include zinc rich foods like beans, nuts, whole grains and fortified cereals in your daily diet. Or you can take zinc in supplement form. Consult a doctor to know proper dosage before taking the supplements.
  • Include citrus fruits in your diet as they are high in antioxidants that are helpful in improving immunity.
  • Consume 2 – 3 glasses of freshly extracted apple juice daily.
  • Avoid consuming sugar and fried foods at least till the infection clears.
  • Take omega 3 fatty acids in either food or supplement form.
  • Drink plenty of water to flush out toxins and stay hydrated.
  • Reduce eating red meat till the infection clears.
  • Include garlic, ginger and turmeric in your daily diet as they contain anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. They help to treat the problem from inside.
  • It is better to go on all-fruit diet for 2 – 3 days to control and treat the infection.

Tips and Precautions:

  • Avoid touching or scratching the infected areas.
  • Keep the infected areas clean and remove the crusted areas carefully.
  • Wash your hands with an antibacterial soap after touching the infection.
  • Avoid sharing towels and clothes with others.
  • Regularly wash the bed linen in hot water and dry them under sunlight.
  • Stay at home for few days to prevent the infection from spreading or worsening.
  • Calendula is one of the effective forms of treating impetigo. You can use it gel, cream, tincture or ointment form.
  • Stress can weaken your immune system which encourages the bacterial growth. So reduce stress levels by meditating.
  • Herb enhinacea has immune stimulant properties which contains phytochemicals that are helpful in treating impetigo. You can brew some enhinacea tea and wash the infected area daily with it. People suffering from AIDS should avoid using this process.
  • Blacknut tincture works effectively in treating impetigo. Infuse blacknut in some alcohol for few days and apply it on the infected areas daily.
  • Applying colloidal silver on the infected areas provides quick results. For added effectiveness, you can add a pinch of turmeric or aloe vera to the colloidal silver.
  • Avoid using bath products that contain harmful chemicals.

Did you find this article helpful? Do you have any other method that works better than above-mentioned? Share your experience, suggestions and queries in the comments section below.

1 comment
  1. How I can tell the difference from impetugo or staph or folluculitis my sores look like all three even somewhat like syphillis but not on my palms.this skin affliction keeps returning some times just one or two spots then sometimes it erupts badly but really stays to my forearms so how can.i tell difference so.i can treat it

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