Hey,first apologies for this not really having universal appeal but i'm totally stumped&frustrated with this Impetigo (sometimes spelled with an h) i'm told it's a fairly rare&highly contagious skin disorder but what i've gotten from doctors/practitioners is nothing short of intrigue on their part&pure frustration on mine.They think it's fascinating to "look at" like Scurvy or Scarlet Fever but there simply is no cure or know treatment for it. As a homeopath I'd imagine a constitutional remedy would make sense but that takes ages so what for some short term relief of unbearably painful 2/3's of a cm deep abrasion in the skin (in my case chin,bottom lip and middle forehead), low to second grade fever,acute shortness of breath,poor circulation,loss of appetite,severe headaches,blurred vision,terrible sleeplessness&general restlessness that accompanying this awful disease.I've seen it described as acutely disruptive to your normal cognition-i know i become moody,depressed&often impatient&unreasonable - asides from the obvious,it's also incredibly painful until it "chews" or corrodes as much of the surface area as it wants (you can easily brush whole chunks of skin off/out) then it forms a very thick,reddish brown scab that takes quite a while to go by itself-all in all about a 2-4 weeks ordeal ending in a white scar.I've been getting it on average about 4 times a year with changing seasons,always in the same place but increasingly more surface of my face&symptoms far more sever. Had it since last night,haven't been able to sleep,very upset stomach,feeling angry,exhausted,weepy&sensitive&physically very week.oh yes,and of course i look like a halloween costume.I've been told it's both (feline specific) bacterial (damn neighbour's cat urinating in my house)& viral complex (similar to lip herpies or herpies complex (stays in the system forever) it's described as symptommatic of immunodeficiencies.Only person i've known to have it was my mother&she also got it on her face although i believe you can be unlucky enough to get it anywhere from inside your eyeballs to the genitals-personally i'd find more joy slitting my wrists with blunt chop sticks..those with cold sores etc just count yourselves lucky!Only conventional treatments i've managed to come up with are undiluted Savlon&then Cicatren (surgical)/Wheeson (homeopathic)powder.dry seems to make it heal quicker-PLEASE HELP
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Does anyone know the cure for Impetigo?
- Thread starter Delight
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eaglebeaver
Well-Known Member
penicillin
Mila
Honorary Master
Treatment
When it just affects a small area of the skin, impetigo can usually be treated with antibiotic ointment. But if the infection has spread to other areas of the body, or the ointment isn't working, the doctor may prescribe an antibiotic pill or liquid.
Once antibiotic treatment begins, healing should start within a few days. It's important to make sure that your child takes the medication as the doctor has prescribed. If that doesn't happen, a deeper and more serious skin infection could develop.
While the infection is healing, gently wash the areas of infected skin with clean gauze and antiseptic soap every day. Soak any areas of crusted skin in warm soapy water to help remove the layers of crust (it is not necessary to completely remove all of it).
To keep your child from spreading impetigo to other parts of the body, the doctor or nurse will probably recommend covering infected areas of skin with gauze and tape or a loose plastic bandage. Keep your child's fingernails short and clean
When it just affects a small area of the skin, impetigo can usually be treated with antibiotic ointment. But if the infection has spread to other areas of the body, or the ointment isn't working, the doctor may prescribe an antibiotic pill or liquid.
Once antibiotic treatment begins, healing should start within a few days. It's important to make sure that your child takes the medication as the doctor has prescribed. If that doesn't happen, a deeper and more serious skin infection could develop.
While the infection is healing, gently wash the areas of infected skin with clean gauze and antiseptic soap every day. Soak any areas of crusted skin in warm soapy water to help remove the layers of crust (it is not necessary to completely remove all of it).
To keep your child from spreading impetigo to other parts of the body, the doctor or nurse will probably recommend covering infected areas of skin with gauze and tape or a loose plastic bandage. Keep your child's fingernails short and clean
Mila
Honorary Master
If i read this correctly a child gave it to you...
Impetigo is a highly contagious skin infection caused by bacteria. It's most common among children and is usually spread through physical contact with someone who has impetigo, or from sharing clothes, bedding, towels, or other objects
Generally, treatment consists of systemic antibiotics (usually penicillin, or erythromycin for patients who are allergic to penicillin), which also help prevent glomerulonephritis (inflammation of the kidney that can have serious complications).
Therapy also includes removal of the exudate by washing the lesions two to three times a day with soap and water, or for stubborn crusts, warm soaks or compresses of normal saline or a diluted soap solution before application of topical antibiotics.
Topical antibiotics are less effective than systemic antibiotics. The patient is urged not to scratch since this exacerbates the impetigo. Parents are advised to cut the child's fingernails.
Impetigo is a highly contagious skin infection caused by bacteria. It's most common among children and is usually spread through physical contact with someone who has impetigo, or from sharing clothes, bedding, towels, or other objects
Generally, treatment consists of systemic antibiotics (usually penicillin, or erythromycin for patients who are allergic to penicillin), which also help prevent glomerulonephritis (inflammation of the kidney that can have serious complications).
Therapy also includes removal of the exudate by washing the lesions two to three times a day with soap and water, or for stubborn crusts, warm soaks or compresses of normal saline or a diluted soap solution before application of topical antibiotics.
Topical antibiotics are less effective than systemic antibiotics. The patient is urged not to scratch since this exacerbates the impetigo. Parents are advised to cut the child's fingernails.
kiepie
Executive Member
To be honest it looks like SPAM at first sight.
Maybe try paragraphs next time.
Maybe try paragraphs next time.
killadoob
Honorary Master
Why does this look spam exactly?
Do you have anything to contribute to this thread other than to say its spam? are you trying to up your post count? there is a button you can push to report it, no need to comment as far as i know.
Homeopath stuff is all good and well but most of the time won't help really bad infections.
It looks like a wall of text.
Delight, to echo Kiepie please try paragraphing your posts
Shame babe thats such bad luck hey... hopefully someone kind will come up with something that works....
Lord Anubis
Expert Member
Lamasil?
Padded Mouse
Expert Member
OK I know this is aimed at kids, but it seemed to be one of the most balanced articles I have read on Impetigo and I truly believe in homeopathic remedies too . The truth is though, there doesn't seem to be any quick cre, so best to embark on a whole regimen....
Impetigo
What’s happening?
Impetigo is a highly infectious skin disorder caused by the staphylococcus or streptococcus bacteria and is usually found around the lips, chin, nose and ears. Characterised by small and fragile pus-filled blisters; once these break open, it leaves the infectious and weepy sores which will eventually dry to form a crusted scab. More common in kids than adults, impetigo can follow an injury such as sunburn or an insect bite that causes a break in the skin, thus allowing the infection to take hold.
The conventional treatment is antibiotics, but natural remedies can be just as effective - especially if you adopt a comprehensive programme designed to support not only the immune system, but also the digestive and lymphatic systems, as well as your child’s emotional frame of mind.
Poor hygiene does not cause this condition - it is the fluid in the blisters that transmit the disease. That said, it is helpful to keep the skin clean. Impetigo is so contagious it can be passed on via clothing so during an infection, discreetly keep your child’s towels, bed linen, face cloths and clothing separate.
If you suspect an impetigo infection in an infant, especially a newborn, contact your doctor immediately.
What to do
In older kids, bring the infection under control by bathing the affected areas in a dilution of tea tree oil (dilute 10 drops in one cup of warm water) and bathe several times a day. Use the super-strength Desert Essence brand, which is eco-harvested, 100% organic, and as pure as you can get. Pat dry with a paper towel, which you must then discard.
Supplementing the diet with essential fatty acids (EFAs) will also help. These work to support the adrenal glands, which sit atop the kidneys and produce hormones to help fight infection and reduce inflammation. Vegetable oils are a good source of EFAs, as are oily fish but if you want a vegetarian source, use flaxseed or evening primrose oils. The B vitamins are known as nature’s own stress-busters, so find a quality multisupplement and B complex to supply these. Vitamin A, which maintains healthy skin, can also help fight this infection.
Vitamin C has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. Take advantage of its natural synergy with the bioflavonoid quercetin, which will also reduce inflammation and give these two nutrients combined. Activated Quercetin made by Source Naturels combines quercetin with vitamin C. It costs £13.99 for 50 capsules. If not available at your local health store, mail order from the Nutri Centre (0800-587 2290). Zinc will also boost the immune system so, again, give an age-appropriate daily dose.
The over-the-counter homeopathic remedy for impetigo is Arum triphyllum. For the best long-term results and to help prevent reinfection, consult a qualified homeopath who can prescribe a tailor-made regimen that will include a constitutional remedy factoring in your child’s personality as well as medical history.
Try to discourage scratching at the sores, as this will spread the infection. Use mittens - especially at night - with very young children who cannot resist temptation or don’t understand why they must not scratch.
Flower Power Australian Bush Remedy Combo:
Black-eyed Susan, Mountain Devil & Dagger Hakea
Black-eyed Susan for stress and immune support; Mountain Devil & Dagger Hakea for psychological support.
Impetigo
What’s happening?
Impetigo is a highly infectious skin disorder caused by the staphylococcus or streptococcus bacteria and is usually found around the lips, chin, nose and ears. Characterised by small and fragile pus-filled blisters; once these break open, it leaves the infectious and weepy sores which will eventually dry to form a crusted scab. More common in kids than adults, impetigo can follow an injury such as sunburn or an insect bite that causes a break in the skin, thus allowing the infection to take hold.
The conventional treatment is antibiotics, but natural remedies can be just as effective - especially if you adopt a comprehensive programme designed to support not only the immune system, but also the digestive and lymphatic systems, as well as your child’s emotional frame of mind.
Poor hygiene does not cause this condition - it is the fluid in the blisters that transmit the disease. That said, it is helpful to keep the skin clean. Impetigo is so contagious it can be passed on via clothing so during an infection, discreetly keep your child’s towels, bed linen, face cloths and clothing separate.
If you suspect an impetigo infection in an infant, especially a newborn, contact your doctor immediately.
What to do
In older kids, bring the infection under control by bathing the affected areas in a dilution of tea tree oil (dilute 10 drops in one cup of warm water) and bathe several times a day. Use the super-strength Desert Essence brand, which is eco-harvested, 100% organic, and as pure as you can get. Pat dry with a paper towel, which you must then discard.
Supplementing the diet with essential fatty acids (EFAs) will also help. These work to support the adrenal glands, which sit atop the kidneys and produce hormones to help fight infection and reduce inflammation. Vegetable oils are a good source of EFAs, as are oily fish but if you want a vegetarian source, use flaxseed or evening primrose oils. The B vitamins are known as nature’s own stress-busters, so find a quality multisupplement and B complex to supply these. Vitamin A, which maintains healthy skin, can also help fight this infection.
Vitamin C has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. Take advantage of its natural synergy with the bioflavonoid quercetin, which will also reduce inflammation and give these two nutrients combined. Activated Quercetin made by Source Naturels combines quercetin with vitamin C. It costs £13.99 for 50 capsules. If not available at your local health store, mail order from the Nutri Centre (0800-587 2290). Zinc will also boost the immune system so, again, give an age-appropriate daily dose.
The over-the-counter homeopathic remedy for impetigo is Arum triphyllum. For the best long-term results and to help prevent reinfection, consult a qualified homeopath who can prescribe a tailor-made regimen that will include a constitutional remedy factoring in your child’s personality as well as medical history.
Try to discourage scratching at the sores, as this will spread the infection. Use mittens - especially at night - with very young children who cannot resist temptation or don’t understand why they must not scratch.
Flower Power Australian Bush Remedy Combo:
Black-eyed Susan, Mountain Devil & Dagger Hakea
Black-eyed Susan for stress and immune support; Mountain Devil & Dagger Hakea for psychological support.
kiepie
Executive Member
Well lets see, no paragraphs for one, and between every "&" there is no space. Also only have like 3 posts on MyBB! Like I said: To be honest it looks like SPAM at first sight.
I didn't say it was spam!! I actually did try reading it, not as easy as it seems.
And I didn't report it as it isn't spam by the way, my comment was by helping the guy getting better advice next time he asks for help.
No, my post was actually more than a smiley, one word or +1.
There was even 3 shorter response before mine! 
Try a Spacebar. True story.
In all seriousness you should try Neem oil & Neem soap. Neem is an ayurvedic herb. You'll find it in Indian supermarkets like Spice Emporium in Durban or in some health food shops. It also cured my eczema, which doctors will tell you has no cure, only treatment of symptoms. I paid R15 for a 30ml bottle & no worries for months. This is after years & thousands of rands spent on specialists and corticosteroids.
I know what its like to suffer from a skin condition like that (luckily mine was in areas hidden by clothes, like my back & torso, but still a knock on my self image & comfort). I tried everything until I read about the Neem last year. It worked in one week & I didnt even finish the bottle. Stinks like hell though (bogwater + bacon?). I used it at night before bed and showered first thing so I wouldn't walk around smelling like that all day.
In all seriousness you should try Neem oil & Neem soap. Neem is an ayurvedic herb. You'll find it in Indian supermarkets like Spice Emporium in Durban or in some health food shops. It also cured my eczema, which doctors will tell you has no cure, only treatment of symptoms. I paid R15 for a 30ml bottle & no worries for months. This is after years & thousands of rands spent on specialists and corticosteroids.
I know what its like to suffer from a skin condition like that (luckily mine was in areas hidden by clothes, like my back & torso, but still a knock on my self image & comfort). I tried everything until I read about the Neem last year. It worked in one week & I didnt even finish the bottle. Stinks like hell though (bogwater + bacon?). I used it at night before bed and showered first thing so I wouldn't walk around smelling like that all day.
Thanks for all the great info & advice, I will certainly try a few things mentioned. Strangely, I can't think of ever coming in to contact with a child who had it-I'm in my late twenties & started having recurring Impetigo for the first time about four years ago & ever since then, consistently three to four times a year - always in the same area around my chin. Should I get my kidneys checked?
Tea tree oil is the bomb for any kind of skin problem from pimples to athlete's foot. A couple of drops in your bath every day (even when you don't have it) is a good preventative measure. When my kid comes home from school camp he uses it in the bath...to kill any nunus he may have picked up in the communal ablution blocks.
Visit Clicks or a pharmacy & get medicated soaps that have Tea Tree. There's a good liquid soap with a Tea Tree variant, called MediSan.
Zinc is also amazing for skin conditions. Take a supplement (like Zinplex) and see if it helps. I also use the cleansers, toners & moisturisers from Garnier's Pure line (light blue containers) & the Even line (lemon yellow). The Garnier Pure is infused with zinc. Its actually for breakouts & promoting faster healing, but helps with all kinds of things. The Even products are for a uniform complexion and fading scars, so once the condition goes away you can try that to get rid of any marks.
Zinc is also amazing for skin conditions. Take a supplement (like Zinplex) and see if it helps. I also use the cleansers, toners & moisturisers from Garnier's Pure line (light blue containers) & the Even line (lemon yellow). The Garnier Pure is infused with zinc. Its actually for breakouts & promoting faster healing, but helps with all kinds of things. The Even products are for a uniform complexion and fading scars, so once the condition goes away you can try that to get rid of any marks.