Impetigo is a contagious bacterial infection on the surface of the skin. Its mostly common amongst children but people who engage into close contact activities are also susceptible to this. Its classified into two types, Non-bullous impetigo; it’s the common form where small blisters appear and then form yellow or honey colour crusts. Then there is Bullous Impetigo where a blister is formed causing the breakdown of the top layer and lower levels of the skin. The common symptoms of this infection are itchiness in the affected area, burning sensation, fever, rashes on the skin and irritability. Also one experiences pain in arms and legs and skin lesions with crusts.

Impetigo being a highly contagious infection spreads not only through close physical contact but also through towels, toys, utensils and other goods of common use. The bacteria can enter the body through any breakage in the skin and once the infection is caused, it spreads to different parts of the body. Hence it becomes very important to have proper knowledge about this infection and also cure it as early as possible.

Primary step towards preventing the spread of impetigo is in maintaining good hygiene. People suffering from the same should use medicated soaps and take bath regularly. One should let the infected area remain as dry as possible and try not to use the same cloth in drying other parts of the body. In order to combat impetigo, one can also use topical antibacterial creams. The main concern in case of impetigo is to prevent its spread to other parts of the body.

Natural home remedies can greatly help in curing impetigo. One such remedy is mixing tea tree oil in bathing water and then applying calamine lotion after it. It is said that turnip is highly beneficial in the treatment of impetigo. Eating chopped turnip immersed in natural vinegar or rice water for 6 hours, helps combat impetigo. Another remedy is making a paste of Vaseline and cornstarch and applying onto the infected area. Here Vaseline helps heal sore irritated skin and cornstarch helps in drying up the rash. Calendula cream can also be used after a bath in order to cure impetigo.

In a severe case of impetigo one should take bath in every 4 hours. A hydrogen peroxide application (3 parts of water and 1 part of 3% peroxide) may also be used. The removal of crusts results in a rapid cure. This can be done by applying soaks or warm compresses to the crust. At night, charcoal poultices can be applied and left overnight.

Impetigo can also be cured by using a mix of 50 gm Aloe Gel, 12 drops of lemon grass and 12 drops of Patchouli oil. This mix should be applied 3 times a day on the infected area. People suffering from impetigo must be careful with the infected areas. The areas should never be scratched in any situation. Also impetigo is highly contagious, thus one must strictly restrain from touching the lesions. One should also avoid going outdoors until completely cured.

Read more Home Remedies for Impetigo. Also know about Diabetes Natural Treatment.