Impetigo Overview

Your skin is the largest organ in your body, and it's home to a variety of bacteria, including Staphylococcus and Streptococcus, which cause impetigo. While both types of bacteria normally live on your skin without harm, they can tunnel their way into a cut, scrape or rash and cause an infection [source: Mayo Clinic].

Impetigo is far more common in children than adults because children are more likely to have cuts and scrapes and to scratch mosquito bites and rashes. Children also spend a lot of time in crowded, germ-ridden places, such as schools, and children's fledgling immune systems can't always fight off bacteria. In adults, impetigo often develops during a bout with dermatitis, which is a routine -- but not contagious -- skin allergy.

Impetigo infections occur when bacteria appear in a cut or sore. The bacteria produce a toxin that attacks the binding proteins in skin cells, which are the proteins that help the cells stick together. When this occurs, the bacteria multiply, causing itchy rashes, unsightly sores and oozing, crusty blisters that can easily spread to other parts of the body [source: Mayo Clinic].

While you can't exactly grow a thicker skin to prevent impetigo, you can take some precautions to reduce the likelihood of infection. For example, you can keep an eye on cracked, cut or irritated skin and keep damaged areas clean and dry. You also can limit direct contact with someone who has impetigo and launder any linens or garments that might have been exposed to the infection. Read on for more tips on avoiding and treating impetigo.

If you think you have impetigo, you'll need to see a doctor. While some mild cases do clear up on their own, your physician may prescribe a topical antibiotic, such as mupirocin ointment, to prevent the infection from spreading. The most effective way to use the ointment is to apply it to the open sores, not the scabs. If the infection is severe, or if it has spread to multiple areas, your doctor may also prescribe an oral antibiotic [source: Mayo Clinic].

To keep your symptoms in check until the infection goes away, remember:

If traditional antibiotic treatment seems a bit rash, keep reading to learn about some all-natural ways to deal with a minor case of impetigo.

There are a variety of natural ways to relieve the itching and inflammation caused by impetigo, but you should consult your doctor before beginning any type of treatment. If you have a severe case of impetigo, antibiotics may be necessary.

Impetigo causes skin irritation, so using extracts with anti-inflammatory properties, such as tea tree oil and echinacea, may help reduce your discomfort. Tea tree oil is a versatile disinfectant that fights the microbes on your skin when a few drops are added to your bath water [source: Sorgen]. Dabbing echinacea onto affected areas can also help fight infection.

Vitamins are also beneficial in treating impetigo. Mixing calendula oil and topical vitamin E and applying them to affected areas will help fight infection, and the vitamin E will also prevent scarring [source: Encyclopedia of Natural Healing]. You can even fight the itch from the inside out by consuming foods that contain omega-3 fatty acids, such as fish and flaxseed. Vitamin A can help skin tissue heal, and taking vitamin C and zinc can boost your immune system and help fight infection.

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