Impetigo

Symptoms

Impetigo is a contagious skin infection most common among children. It is usually found around the mouth, cheeks and nose. Some cases will spread to other areas, as evidenced by a red streak between the lesion and the regional lymph nodes. At first the skin reddens and bumps appear which develop into tiny blisters. Later, the blisters turn into raw sores which become large, sticky, honey-colored crusts. Impetigo is neither dangerous nor painful. Since there can be complications, children, especially infants, should get follow-up care from a medical professional.

Causes

Impetigo is an infection caused by staphylococci bacteria. It is passed on through direct contact or sharing towels. Hygiene is of utmost importance in preventing its spread.

Nutrition

Offer the child nutritious whole foods, particularly fresh vegetables, soups, grains and fish to help fight the infection and promote healing. Fish provides the vitamins A, D and E, which help speed recovery. Vitamin A is especially important for the healing of skin tissue. Carrots, yams and dark green vegetables provide beta-carotene, which is converted to vitamin A in the body. Eliminate refined sugar as a household rule. Garlic is an effective antibacterial agent which can be added to many dishes. Yogurt helps promote healthy bacterial growth in the intestines, and is especially needed if antibiotics have been administered, since antibiotics destroy healthy bacteria.

Nutritional Supplements

As for any infection, vitamin C with bioflavonoids help support the immune system and fend off intruders. Vitamin E and beta-carotene can be supplemented both internally and topically as they are essential for skin repair, as well as for immune system response. Vitamin E also prevents scarring. Grape seed extract and garlic are excellent antibacterial agents.

Children’s daily dosages:

Most Important

Vitamin C, with bioflavonoids, 200 mg

three times daily

Beta-carotene, 10,000 IU

Garlic, 1 capsule three times daily

Take 1 tsp. of colloidal silver twice daily

Helpful

Vitamin E, with mixed tocopherols, 100 IU,
or open capsule and apply externally

Grape seed extract, 1 capsule three

times daily

Herbal Remedies

For a contagious condition like impetigo, herbal remedies concentrate on preventing the spread of infection.

With a cotton pad, dab echinacea extract on affected area after a bath. Alternate every five minutes with concentrated liquid whey. Continue this treatment for half an hour, repeating every two hours. The echinacea prevents infection and the whey kills the bacteria. Use only sterilized cotton to squeeze open pustules, then apply echinacea.

Calendula salve also prevents infection effectively and speeds healing. Mix with vitamin E oil and apply to affected area to promote healing without scarring.

Drink 10 drops of echinacea in liquid three times daily for one week.

Sage, thyme, St. John’s wort, stinging nettle, licorice root and red clover help cleanse the blood. Prepare a herbal tea and drink three times daily to nurture the skin and help clear up the problem.

Drink 2 oz. of aloe vera juice three times daily.

Alternate topical use of aloe vera gel and tea tree oil on an hourly basis, or as needed.

Homeopathy

Homeopathic remedies are an excellent form of treatment to speed healing and help protect against related illnesses. Choose one of the remedies below in a 6c strength, repeating four times daily for several days or until there is marked improvement. One dose is 2 tablets, dissolved under the tongue.

Antimonium crudum is the most typical remedy for impetigo. The rash forms sticky, yellow crusts around the mouth and nostrils. The child is irritable and the tongue is coated white.

If the scalp is more affected and there is more pus, use Mezereum instead.

Arsenicum is helpful if the eruption is painful and burning, and warmth relieves. The child will typically be restless, chilly and exhausted.

Hepar sulphuris is used when the rash is very sensitive to any cold draft and to touch. The pains are sticking or splinter-like.

Rhus toxicodendron is useful when the itching is particularly problematic and the rash appears in clusters of small blisters. The child feels much better while moving about.

Tissue Salts

Take 4 tablets under the tongue four times daily.

Kali sulph is recommended for sticky, yellowy crusts.

Calc sulph is useful for thick yellow pus, yellow crusts and wounds that are not healing well.

External/Physical Therapies

Bathe twice daily with soap and water and apply sterile dressings to prevent spread of infection.

Other Suggestions

Take 1 tsp. of colloidal silver twice daily.

Available Brand Name Products

Nutritional Supplements

Molkosan (Bioforce)

Ascorbate/Non-acidic Vitamin C (Ester-C)

Acidophilus & Bifidus (Natural Factors)

Mega Acidophilus Powder (Natural Factors)

Grapefruit Seed Extract (Nutribiotics)

Other Nutritional Supplements

Bee Propolis (Natural Factors)

Aloe Vera Gel (Nature’s Herbs)

Herbal Remedies

Echinacea Fresh Juice Extract

(Natural Factors)

Echinacea Tincture (Natural Factors)

St. John’s Wort Extract (Natural Factors)

Echinacea Angustifolia Extract

(Nature’s Herbs)

Garlic, Odorless (Nature’s Herbs)

Licorice Phytosome (Nature’s Herbs)

Nettle Leaf (Nature’s Herbs)

Red Clover Combination (Nature’s Herbs)

St. John’s-Power (Nature’s Herbs)

Homeopathy

Hepar Sulph (Nelsons Homeopathy)

Rhus Tox (Nelsons Homeopathy)

Sulphur (Nelsons Homeopathy)