Dealing with impetigo can be stressful. This common and highly contagious skin infection, especially frequent in children, causes itchy, crusting sores. This guide is here to help. We'll walk through gentle home care, evidence-informed natural remedies, and user-reported tips that can support healing alongside your doctor's advice.
⚠️ Important Medical & Safety Notes
- See a doctor promptly for: widespread rashes, lesions near the eyes, fever, significant pain, rapidly spreading redness, any infant with sores, or if you suspect MRSA.
- This is a bacterial infection. Impetigo is caused by Staph or Strep. Antibiotics are the first-line treatment for most moderate-to-severe cases. Natural remedies are supportive, not a replacement for medical care.
- Prevent the spread: This is critical. Keep nails short, cover lesions loosely, do not share towels or linens, wash hands and surfaces often, and stay home from school or activities until 24 hours after starting antibiotics or until lesions are fully dry and crusted.
What Is Impetigo? (Symptoms & Types)
Impetigo is a superficial skin infection, most common in children but possible at any age. It often starts as small red spots or blisters that rupture and form a characteristic honey-colored crust. It typically appears around the nose and mouth, but can be on the face, hands, or anywhere the skin is broken (like bug bites or scrapes).
- Non-bullous impetigo: The classic, crusted patches.
- Bullous impetigo: Features larger blisters and is often seen in infants and young children.
- Ecthyma: A deeper, ulcerative form that requires medical care.
Critical: Hygiene & Contagion Control
- Wash hands frequently; use a pump soap at sinks.
- Cleanse lesions gently 2–3 times a day. Pat dry with a disposable tissue or a dedicated towel that is laundered immediately in hot water.
- Keep fingernails cut short. Discourage scratching (consider cotton gloves at night for kids).
- Launder all pillowcases, bath towels, and clothing in hot water daily. Do not share these items.
- Cover lesions with a breathable, non-stick dressing during the day (especially for school/activities). You can uncover them at home to air-dry.
Gentle Cleanser Options
Saline solution (1/4 tsp salt in 1 cup sterile warm water), diluted apple cider vinegar (1 tbsp in 1 cup water; caution: will sting broken skin), or a hypochlorous acid skin spray can all help keep the area clean.
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