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.