Impetigo is an extremely contagious skin infection. This is essentially a disease of childhood, though it may also occur frequently in adults. It is usually prevalent in infants and younger children following a cold. The infection can spread rapidly from one child to another by close contact, especially during the early years in schools. The disease is more common in the areas with unhygienic conditions.
Impetigo Symptoms
At first, impetigo appears as a small fluid-filled vesicle usually around the nose or lips. The infection can spread to other parts of the face and occasionally other parts of the body by the child’s irresistible urge to scratch, and also due to presence of bacteria in large numbers. The vesicle rapidly crusts over, forming a’ yellowish scab which can be easily knocked-off, leaving a raw, weeping surface.
Impetigo Causes
Impetigo is caused by staphylococci and occasionally by streptococci germs. The organism can spread quickly, particularly among children, causing an outbreak of the disease. Impetigo may also occur as a secondary phenomenon in atopic eczema, scabies and head-louse infestation.
The real cause of the disease, however is constitutional, resulting from malnutrition due to wrong and unhygienic habits of living. It is easily passed from the affected child to other children, who are in a similar sate of toxicity and impaired vitality, through contact.
Home Remedies to Cure Impetigo
Early and adequate treatment of the first small patch of impetigo can prevent the spread of the disease. The child patient should be kept isolated until the condition is cleared up, so as to prevent the spread of infection. He should be prevented from scratching the scabs. He should have his own sponge and towel. No other member of the family should use these articles. They should be changed frequently and washed separately. The use of harsh detergent should be avoided clothes should be thoroughly rinsed.
1. Turnip
The use of turnip (salgum) is one such remedy. A few chopped turnip pieces after thorough cleaning should be immersed in rice starch (kangi) or any natural vinegar for about six hours. They should then be eaten by the patient.
2. Garlic
Garlic is useful in relieving constant itching caused by this disease. This vegetable should be crushed and spread over irritated areas. One or two cloves of garlic should be chewed for better results. This helps in to the impetigo.
3. Apple Cider Vinegar
Dip a cotton ball into the mixture of 2-3 drops of apple cider vinegar 1 spoon of water and put it over the areas affected by impetigo.
4. Turmeric
Mix 1 teaspoon ground turmeric with 1 tablespoon of coconut oil and dab onto affected areas.
Useful References