Impetigo remedies

DEAR DR. GOTT: I am 57, with impetigo on my face and ear. I took two 20 mg pills of prednisone for one week, then one, but would like to know if there is a home remedy I can try instead.

DEAR READER: Impetigo is a bacterial infection, so I am unclear why you were given prednisone. However, as long as the impetigo hasn’t spread, you might try 1 tablespoon of white vinegar diluted in 16 ounces of water. Soak a cotton ball or gauze pad and apply to the area for 20 minutes two or three times a day. You might then want to apply an aloe vera ointment to the cleansed area following each application. Or, simmer 1/4 cup each of rosemary leaves and thyme in 2 cups water for about 15 minutes. Apply the cleansing mixture in the same manner several times each day.

Daily Column

DEAR DR. GOTT:
I am a 24-year-old woman who has suffered from recurring impetigo all my life. As far as my medical history is concerned, I am 5’ 9” tall and weigh 138 pounds. Twice a year without fail I get this horrible sore on my lower lip that spreads to part of my chin. I can always get it to go away in about two weeks; however, in the mean time it is very unsightly and painful. I cannot disguise it with makeup because it spreads if touched.

I am very careful to not use washcloths or towels more than once during an outbreak. I wash everything in hot water. Do you know of anything else I can take to prevent getting this?

DEAR READER:
Impetigo is a skin infection that most often affects infants and children but can affect adults as well. It begins as red sores that rupture, ooze and form a yellowish/brown crust. [Read more...]