Impetigo

Contagious bacterial infection of the skin, more common in children than adults, but not serious except in newborn babies; in a baby, bacteria may spread to kidneys and cause Glomerulonephritis. Symptoms are small patches of tiny blisters which then burst and form a crust like brown sugar; these can occur anywhere on body, but most commonly affect area round nose and mouth. Bacteria are spread by touching blisters, then touching another part of body, or by using towels or flannels used by an infected person.

If homeopathic remedies do not clear up infection, see your medical doctor; he or she will prescribe antibiotic tablets or ointment, after which general immunity should be boosted by constitutional homeopathic treatment especially if contact with infected individuals is still likely.

Specific remedies to be given every hour for up to 10 doses

• Blisters round nostrils and mouth, especially in children Antimonium 30c
• Scalp most affected, blisters thickly encrusted and oozing pus which irritates surrounding skin Mezereum 30c
• Scrotum most affected, blisters inflamed and oozing pus Croton 30c
• Blisters accompanied by physical exhaustion, chilliness, and mental restlessness Arsenicum 30c

Self-help: Bathe affected areas with Hypericum and Calendula solution (5 drops of mother tincture of each to 1/2 pint boiled cooled water) or dilute TCP (follow instructions on bottle) several times a day, and keep towels and flannels away from other members of the household. Always wash hands thoroughly before preparing food. A child with impetigo should be kept away from school until blisters heal.

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