What is Impetigo?

Impetigo is a contagious skin infection that usually produces blisters or sores on the face and hands, and considered as one of the most common skin infections among pre- school and school going children.
It is generally caused by one of two bacteria: streptococcus or staphylococcus aureus.



Impetigo usually affects children in the summer months. A child may be more likely to develop impetigo if the skin has already been irritated or injured by other skin problems, such as eczema, poison ivy, insect bites, or a skin allergy to soap or makeup.

Symptoms of Impetigo

• Impetigo may affect skin anywhere on the body but commonly occurs around the nose and mouth, hands, and forearms.
• When impetigo is caused by group A streptococcus, it begins as tiny blisters.



These tiny blisters burst and leave small wet patches of red skin that may produce fluid. Gradually, a brown or yellowish-brown crust covers the affected area, making it look like it has been coated with honey or brown sugar.
• Impetigo that is caused by staphylococcus aureus triggers larger fluid-containing blisters that appear clear, then cloudy.



These blisters are more likely to stay intact longer on the skin without bursting.

Contagiousness

• Impetigo may cause itchiness and can be spread by scratching.
• Kids can spread the infection by scratching it and then touching other parts of the body.
• Impetigo is contagious and can spread to anyone who comes into contact with infected skin or other items, such as clothing, towels, and bed linens that have been touched by infected skin.

Aromatherapy for Impetigo Treatment

Impetigo is usually treated with anti-biotic medicines and these anti-biotics start showing results after two to three days of consuming such medicines.



Impetigo treatment with essential oils is a natural and effective option.
Natural and Essential aromatherapy oils soothe the itching skin, encourage quick healing of the skin while preventing the spread by inherent antibacterial and antiseptic properties.

Here are some inexpensive natural home made remedies that can work wonders in treating Impetigo

• Make an Impetigo healing gel with: 50gm Aloe Gel, 12 drops Lemon grass oil, 12 drops Patchouli oil and apply this gel at least 3 times daily to the affected area or sores.
• Treat Impetigo with a simple bath in essential oils.



Take 2 drops of Lemon grass oil, 2 drops of Patchouli oil, 2 drops of solubalizer and Luke warm water. Take a bath with these essential oils two to three times daily.
Other effective remedies include:
• Lemongrass which is a powerful antiseptic and bactericide can be applied to affected areas.




• Patchouli is also an anti-inflammatory and antiseptic in effects. It is also a fungicidal that has healing effects on fungal infections.
• Foraha or Calophyllum Inophyllum is a cold pressed vegetable oil which is extracted from the fruit and seeds of a large tree. This oil has been used for treating wounds, skin ailments and acute skin irritations including: rashes, impetigo, insect bites and abrasions. It is used topically to aid in eliminating waste material and toxins from the capillaries, help support cellular immunity, strengthen connective tissues and stimulate hair.