Home Remedies for Impetigo

| Modified on Mar 09, 2024

Impetigo is a very contagious bacterial skin infection that normally affects children, but adults can also catch it. Natural cures for impetigo include include grapefruit seed extract, colloidal silver, heat, turmeric and dietary changes.

Natural Cures for Impetigo

Although impetigo usually heals naturally over two to three weeks, natural remedies can work fast to heal impetigo with fewer symptoms. Grapefruit Seed Extract (GSE) is the most popular impetigo remedy for Earth Clinic readers.

Grapefruit Seed Extract is a very powerful antioxidant and non-toxic disinfectant. Among its many benefits, it is effective when used for topical skin infections, such as impetigo.

An Earth Clinic contributor, Jj from Bournemouth, UK sent us a detailed post about the treatment which begins, "Hello, I'm so happy and relieved to say that Grapefruit Seed Extract worked brilliantly to heal my impetigo!" Read the entire post to learn how he cured the impetigo with Grapefruit Seed Extract and Aloe Vera Juice, which cools the skin and helps with the itching.

Heat

It may sound somewhat strange, but some Earth Clinic contributors discovered that heat can cure impetigo. They used either hot water or a blow dryer to heat the affected area until it was too hot to be comfortable. The theory is that if the body raises body temperature (fever) to kill bacteria, then external heat might accomplish the same purpose.  Read the posts and decide for yourself.

Colloidal Silver and Turmeric

Colloidal silver is a "must-have" for many Earth Clinic readers. A contributor named Markell had really good results with a silver solution gel. "I used a silver solution gel (ASAP) on my spreading Impetigo. It worked immediately and effectively. I applied it nearly every hour or whenever I thought of it. Essential oils did nothing for the rash. It only took two days for it to dry up."

Dietary Changes to Support the System and for Future Health

  • Try an all-fruit diet for the first 2-3 days.
  • Support the immune system with organic fruits, vegetables and whole grains. 
  • Eat fewer animal-based proteins.
  • Use extra-virgin olive oil as the primary fat, replacing polyunsaturated vegetables oils, margarine, vegetable shortening, etc. 
  • Omega-3 Fatty Acids are important for daily health.
  • Ginger and Turmeric should be consumed regularly because of the antiinflammatory effects.

What Is Impetigo?

Impetigo is a highly contagious skin disorder that typically affects infants and children, but adults also suffer from it. The first symptoms are normally red sores, usually around the nose and mouth. As the sores progress, the lesions typically burst and form a honey-colored crust.  The lesions can also spread to other parts of the body including the fingers, buttocks and arms. More serious forms of impetigo include bullous impetigo and ecthyma. Bullous impetigo typically features larger blisters that occur on the trunk and diaper area of infants and children while ecthyma actually penetrates the skin, causing deep, painful fluid- or pus-filled sores that may develop into deep ulcers.

Impetigo is caused by bacteria, most commonly Staphylococcus aureaus. The bacteria can pass directly from one person to another or be transmitted via a towel or other item handled by that person. Towels or bed linens, etc. should only be used by the infected person and washed frequently.

Continue reading below for many more impetigo remedies from our wonderful Earth Clinic readers and let us know about your own favorite home remedy!

Additional Pages of Interest:

Impetigo in Children




ACV, Tea Tree Oil and Grape Seed Extract

1 User Review
5 star (1) 
  100%

Posted by Diane (Colorado) on 06/19/2016
★★★★★

I had impetigo in two places, one spot on my face and a big area on my legs from eczema. To cure the one on on my face, I put tea tree oil and apple cider vinegar on maybe twice a day for one day I think. A couple hours later I would apply heat. I also took grape seed extract (120mg) once a day for one week and the impetigo on my face cleared up.

I would note that none of these methods worked with my legs. I had to resort to antibiotics for the legs.

Replied by Pam E.
(SW California)
03/09/2024
129 posts

Nutribiotic makes a liquid GrapeFruit Seed Extract. A little of that mixed into Aloe Vera Gel & applied topically may have taken care of Diane's Impetigo on her leg (with or without taking the GfSE orally). GfSE *is* an antibiotic, & Nutribiotic's *is* effective on most things I've used it for, but it *must* be diluted first. And one should take probiotics aafter ingesting it, as it destroys the *good* along with *bad* gut bacteria.


Antiviral Medication

1 User Review
5 star (1) 
  100%

Posted by Sara (Grand Rapids, Michigan) on 04/08/2014
★★★★★

I wanted to write about impetigo: I experienced what I thought was a cold sore on my lip and then I noticed blistering on my chin. I was then diagnosed with impetigo on my chin with blistering, inflamed skin, oozing/leaking yellow liquid and then crusting and scabbing. This recurred 4 times over and over.... and took over a week to move through the stages with each occurrence. I was put on the topical Mupirocin... which worked but then it came back. I tried other antibiotics such as Doxycycline, Batrum and Keflix which also worked to some degree but then it came back. I also tried Grapefruit Seed Extract (GFSE) which worked as well or better than the antibiotics and drew out the yellow liquid and resulted in shorter time with scabs. I was very impressed with the GFSE.... however it came back again!! I was sent to a dermatologist who said that it might be a combination of impetigo and herpes simplex 1/cold sore virus as the infection kept returning in the exact same place on my chin every time. She put me on an antiviral, Valtrex. I also started to take large amounts of Lysine and limited my foods that contained arginine. It finally went away and has not returned!

I share as I wanted to let others know if you have what looks to be impetigo that keeps recurring in the exact same place it might be both impetigo and herpes simplex 1!!!!!

Thank you for this awesome website!! Sara

Replied by Dookie
(United States)
08/12/2015

I have had the same problem as you. Going on 20 years. Life is in ruins. I've managed to keep my lips area in check. Search Amazon for Lysine lip ointment. I don't know if they have GNC where you live, but I just buy mine there. Use it in the AM and PM and as needed. Keeps my lips in check while the rest of my face looks like an apocalypse. :(


Apple Cider Vinegar, Coconut Oil

1 User Review
5 star (1) 
  100%

Posted by Margaret (Knoxville Tn) on 02/03/2014
★★★★★

ACV compress followed by pure coconut oil cleared impetigo up in a matter of days.


Apple Cider Vinegar, Dietary Changes

1 User Review
5 star (1) 
  100%

Posted by Healthier (Austin, Tx) on 01/07/2013
★★★★★

I use apple cider vinegar applied directly to the impetigo infected skin and it kills the bacteria. It eventually heals in a few days and the recovery time is so much faster than any prescription I have ever taken for it as well as any other topical treatment. I have also changed my eating habits to eating more vegetarian/vegan options and noticed that I dont have as many yearly flair ups as I used to when I ate meat.


Black Salve, Essential Oils

1 User Review
4 star (1) 
  100%

Posted by Cindy (Phoenix, Az) on 08/05/2020
★★★★☆

I had a pretty severe case of impetigo. It was only through the hair matting (couldn't get a brush through it. If tangled is a 10, the matting was 100.

Both my legs broke out covering both legs from knee to shin. Oh my!! The itch!! My normal itch cures didn't work. I had to do something, bc I couldn't sleep. I used a drawing salve (Black salve known for topical cancer use. It's an escharotic. You usually only work with small spots—like a quarter. But I had such a bad rash on both legs, I applied at bottom of one leg, covering the size of a US $ bill.

its not for the faint-hearted. I prob spent 4-6 months changing bandages, letting it heal for a few days, and then applying more black salve until there wasn't much, if anything, coming out. Legs are healed. Would never know.

i didn't know about grapefruit seed extract. My legs cleared up just fine. But my long hair was a disaster. I made natural Antibiotics from essential oils. I didn't use the expensive little bottles. Instead, I bought much larger bottles, less expensive —on Amazon of Vitacost. Therapeutic grade.

in plastic veggie capsules, 3 drops wild Oreganol P73, in oli d oil, 5 drops Thieves/Onguard and 5 drops of tea tree/ melaleuca. Spread out through the day. I took three or four months, 4 per day, And then as my hair returned to normal. I discontinued. How ever, Matting just came back. Bleck.

I started the capsules again, and will add grapefruit seeds extracts!!

if anyone knows About help for my hair, I am ever so grateful. Cindy

Replied by Charity
(Faithville, Us)
08/05/2020

Read the Dr Axe article on horsetail, hair is straight or curly is based on shape of follicle. Fungus can affect follicles and make hair strands vulnerable. hair is a mineral balance affected by many things like biotin. Your skin issue may be liver acting up... take dessicated beef liver, so body will attack supplement and not your liver, so your liver can regain ability to strengthen detox and heal immune systems. maybe a milk thistle at bedtime detox liver so it can bounce back and skin recover. Fat soluble vitamins aecdf need a good fat in liver so liver can make bile to absorb them....all affect skin. Body low on bile does not make and may not absorb supplemental b vitamins. I use ox bile. Cortisol stops digestion processes. constipation or diarrhea or some nightmare in between. Stress eats up magnesium. castor oil is a good read. I use comfrey tea in my hair but may not help with matting issues. I hear silica for that and maybe get some horsetail plant and make a gel solution and apply and then let set and rinse. Skin is your largest organ and when it is crying out, go fix liver, the largest detox organ.

Cindy
(Phoenix, Az)
08/19/2020

Charity—I'm going to re-read, but When I read ox-bile, I had to ask! ... have you done Gerson Therapy? They are the only people I know who know that word! 😂 Or for full impact, “dedicated ox-bile” 😁

Cindy
(Phoenix)
08/19/2020

Charity—

yes Liver is likely at least part of issue. I did Gerson in 2012. So many amazing things happened during the year I was on it. After one year, went off bc (prior to starting) I had something going on that felt like I was being tortured 24/7. It came on in one day, and I couldn't even sleep one night without using opiates and benzos to mute the CNS. I knew you had to stop everything toxic, and I hoped I'd be able to do so with time, but it never worked, so due to expenses and the fact that it wasn't going to be able to help get me off the super-toxic meds.... we stopped. I've maintained as much of the Gerson lifestyle as possible.

I've juiced when we've had help, and it made no noticeable difference. I still do coffee enemas daily (just 1), to help keep liver in best health possible considering circumstances. I did a 4 month cleanse that took me 16 months to rid body of parasites and all things fungal. I knew I had severe fungal Candida. I didn't know that parasites always came with. (1000+ types of parasites—and 100s of fungals. Waste of time and money to be tested for parasites or fungals. Better to just do this cleanse because I can't think of any group of people who wouldn't benefit, even in prevention of many of the chronic illnesses available in America and other countries today. All the chronic illnesses come with something fungal at the root. anything” becomes “fungal” if it goes systemic. And any kind of med seem to somehow work synergistically with parasites and other fungals to breed new and formerly unknown to you varieties of anything that can go fungal/systemic.

Now that you know my diet is organic, lots of veggies, nothing processed and still no meat and very little dairy, plus coffee enemas—I wanted to see if you would have different or modified thoughts.

Also, I will take GSE orally, and am also considering massaging it into parts of scalp that are accessible. (Bowels move very well thanks to MAG-07 and 3000 mg daily of black-seed oil. If I took only one supplement, it would be the black seed oil. In capsules! I can tolerate almost anything. But not black seed or castor unless in capsules or on skin.) I was thinking of massaging black seed oil and a little tea tree oil into my scalp.

The hair matting came back twice as bad. No way to get comb or brush through it at all. Any thoughts? The hair matting Is extremely rare. Shaving head is suggested, I'm not wanting to do that. Last step of parasite/fungal cleanse is heavy metal cleanse. I called yesterday and he encouraged me to go ahead and start the heavy metal cleanse. He had one woman who didn't see the major WOW transformation until she did that last step. He reminded me hair is what we test for heavy metals, so I could have a ton of metals in my hair. Thanks for your thoughts!! Cindy

Charity
(Faithville, Us)
08/19/2020

Cindy, I am a recovered multiple, you say _we, are you also a multiple? I have never done gershon and have no idea what that is? If you are a mutlitple you might like to read in netburstnet by grantley morris. I figured out how to get whole in that site. I had liver hepatic cysts surgery but it failed and my issue got worse followed by a decade of spine, bone, joint, and skin issues . Eric Berg on youtube teaches on ox bile to counter cortisol for digestion . I was programed for fight or flight from trauma and my persons split off over the years until I became a small part of myself with other parts popping in and out of my core causing migraine symptoms. My person is now like the borg and works as one unit, no migraine symptoms . My liver was healed during worship at church. I am currently pursuing a miracle healing through Mark Hemans encounter ministry zoom online. Lots of miracles each week . My friend got his hearing healed. As far as hair, I have 3 foot long straight hair and I'm over sixty and not much grey. eating a little molasses helps. Copper helps hair but needs balanced with zinc . Copper fights parasites and zinc fights virus . I am one who hears : I heard silica when I read your post . I did go do some research and the detox is probably overwhelming your hair. Eric Berg has lots of videos on hair nails and skin. I still have some stuff to figure out. My vitiligo is shrinking. Do you use molybdenum(protects liver during candida die off, parsley, cilantro, fennel, ( I read fennel has no friends!!! I am just starting to grow them(those seeds are tricky to get sprouting) and plan to step up my recovery from metals. Soy lecithin granules, ginger, milk thistle, dandelion root, and other things make a huge healing in the liver, but always the healing crisis to put up with. I used lots of castor oil before my liver was healed at church in late 2018. I am currently using serrazymes for scar tissue and plan to get back to serrapeptaise. That heals liver . Comfrey is a good read and I use lots of that too. Cell regeneration.

My first year functional enough to water a garden consistently. Got it going late, because I wasn't planning to garden at all. God has a sense of humor. That's why God laughs. I'm sure I keep him entertained . Well if this is jumbly, WE are learning to be one and it's a joy r ney. Blessings, Charity

Cindy
(Phoenix, Az)
08/24/2020

Charity—I'm going to re-read, but When I read ox-bile, I had to ask! ... have you done Gerson Therapy? They are the only people I know who know that word! 😂 Or for full impact, “dedicated ox-bile” 😁

Replied by Tessa
(Okanagan)
08/06/2020

Hi Cindy -

Regarding your severely matted hair, have you tried adding those essential oils (oregano, Thieves, tea tree) to coconut oil and massaging that into your hair and scalp to soften it?

You probably would have to leave it in for a few hours then use a wide-tooth comb starting at the end of your hair and combing just an inch or so before moving up slowly. It would be quite arduous - depending on the length of your hair - and you may have to keep repeating it for a number of days.

My other suggestion is to contact hair salons in your area and explain the situation (some salons have clients who wear dreadlocks - search dreadlocks phoenix). If they can't help you, perhaps they can refer you to someone who can.

It sounds like you are really progressing and your hair is the last part of the puzzle.

Best of luck!

Replied by Madelyn
(Idaho)
08/19/2020

Hi Cindy, Have you tried chlorine dioxide (also known as CDS or MMS)? It is a safe and broad spectrum approach (anti- microbial, antiviral, detoxes heavy metals, etc.)

I sympathize with not wanting to shave your hair, but if it were me I would do it in order to best treat my scalp. I had a very short haircut in my early 20s and it really did grow back pretty fast. I would alternate bathing in MMS which would allow a nice soak for your scalp, and also taking MMS drops internally. Of course, massaging with oils topically would be much easier and probably more effective having shorter hair without matting to work through. (extra virgin coconut or chia seed oil would be great. The 2 mixed -! Even better. Add essential oils or herbal extracts).

You shared about doing a parasite cleanse. Can you give your protocol ... such as exactly what and how much of each thing you took per day?

Wishing you all the best. Thanks for sharing your journey with us.

Replied by Charity
(Faithville, Us)
08/25/2020

My reply did not show up in recent post : it's in the original impetigo section where you wrote your question. Ox bile works wonders for me until I can move out of stress mode and do the pressure points Eric Berg teaches on releasing trapped stress in the body . I have done that before my friend bought the tool and book and I did it for a season. Right now I am learning how to garden and sprout seeds . Getting some muscles tearing up sod . Outsmarting deer that can jump 12 feet high into your garden is also a fun adventure. Lots of pokey points out there right now. Just see if they want to risk near death for a bite. Love the critters, but not growing stuff just for them to snack on. Blessings, Charity.


Black Walnut

4 User Reviews
5 star (3) 
  75%
4 star (1) 
  25%

Posted by Eileen P. (Maine) on 06/29/2020
★★★★★

Impetigo: Black Walnut powder made into a paste works great, also take a few drops of Black Walnut tincture internally a few times a day.


Black Walnut
Posted by Herbal (Cedar Rapids, Iowa Usa) on 08/12/2012
★★★★★

Black Walnut tincture works very quickly for impetigo. I learned this from other herbalists. You can use the green or black hulls, infuse them with alcohol (vodka works well) and then apply twice daily. You can also purchase it in health food stores. It appears impetigo is making the rounds again and very common.

Replied by Papaya
(Warsaw)
12/17/2014
★★★★☆

Hi, thank you very much for this advice. I applied it only once undiluted and observed astonishing results. Scabs which formed ceaselessly for two months and were wet, started to dry up and fall off and these weeping sores/ ulcers begin to heal. I continue to use this tincture but I wonder whether or not it should be diluted and in which proportions if applied directly on these open raw red sores.

Replied by Eileen P.
(Maine)
06/29/2020
★★★★★

Black Walnut:

My son had Staph Impetigo rash cultured and diagnosed by his doctor, in his diaper region. I made a paste of powdered black walnut hulls, just with the powder and water, applied over the rash. Rash cleared up within 2 days, without need for the antibiotic ointment prescribed. I also gave him 1 drop of black walnut tincture a few times a day until the rash was gone.


Coconut Oil

1 User Review
5 star (1) 
  100%

Posted by Chema (San Diego, California) on 01/19/2012
★★★★★

I went and bought some Coconut Oil worked fantastic!

EC: For medicinal purposes, use Extra Virgin Coconut Oil, the kind that smells like coconut.


Colloidal Silver

1 User Review
5 star (1) 
  100%

Posted by Monique (Coffs Harbour) on 02/28/2017
★★★★★

Colloidal silver cures EVERYTHING!!!! It has worked for impetigo in myself and children, mouth ulcers, chest infections, u name it. Also wild oil of oregano works wonders for everything too, glad to read about someone else using colloidal silver as most people think I'm crazy 😁

Replied by Lena
(Hawaii)
10/27/2017

How would you reccommend the use of CS on a 2year old. she is currently usung abx cream, keeps popping up anyway


Colloidal Silver, Aloe Vera

1 User Review
4 star (1) 
  100%

Posted by Cameron (Brisbane, Qld, Australia) on 03/07/2011
★★★★☆

My 5 year old daughter started coming out with several large weeping sores, I didn't know what they were so simply reached for the Colliodal Silver just in case they were Bacterial and to stop an infection if it wasn't. It turns out they are probably School Sores as they have spread quickly and look and behave exactly like Ulcerative Impetigo. I covered the sores with a waterproof dressing and soaked the dressing with Colliodal Silver, this killed the Infection in about 2 days without any itching or side effects. We then used Aloe Vera to help the healing process and covered them with dressings or bandaids. Unfortunately my wife left some of these sores uncovered early on which left my little girl able to scratch and spread another few sores around various parts of her body. Expect the whole process to take about a week and the light scarring to fade slowly depending on where the sore was. Because of the infection she has now come down with a Cold or Flu, beware of this also.

We have had a few illnesses in the family but my 2 children have not yet had to visit a Doctor except for a dislocated elbow, even Whooping Cough for them both was uneventful if you can believe that. My first stop is always right here :)

Thankyou Earth Clinic!


Dietary Changes

1 User Review
4 star (1) 
  100%

Posted by Misfit (West Coast America) on 11/10/2014
★★★★☆

I'm going on 20 years with impetigo. And though it hasn't ruined my life, its definitely sucked all the joy out of it and robbed me of many good years. Mine is so bad that merely looking at cell phones causes me to break out in my eyelids or around the bridge of my nose. I've been to 100 doctors, both Mayo Clinics and Johns Hopkins. Everyone just gives up on me. With me, I've had to cut out cell phone use completely and can only use an IPhone with Siri. You need to buy yourself a yearly dayplanner and keep notes on what you do and what you eat. I've discovered a few triggers over the years. I've had to cut out fruit completely. Here I was drinking orange juice and stuff to boost my immune system, but all it did was make orange ooze come pouring out of my skin. I found chocolate and yogurt and licorice were triggers. Also, heat is a trigger. I can take a hot shower, but any type of radiant heat like from a furnace or oven will cause a breakout. My life is almost liveable because I can dodge some triggers, but I have at least 2-4 outbreaks per month. I'm convinced this will be the rest of my life and when it comes to die, I'll give a sigh of relief. Nonetheless, I push on. What else can you do? Doctors laugh at me when I tell them I'm allergic to looking at cell phones.

Replied by Timh
(KY)
11/11/2014
2063 posts

You would surely improve by doing any number of "Detoxification" and "Cleansing" remedies found here on E.C. This process of total body detox/cleanse will take up to 1 yr. Following these remedies, you will be feeling much better but need to also boost your antioxidant status thru supplementation.

Replied by Cgio
(New York)
07/19/2016

Regarding the cell phone? I would say maybe it's the bacteria on the cell phone? We put our cell phones down in all sorts of places.... I try to disinfect mine frequently, but still.... it picks up bacteria and germs.

Replied by Robyn
(Tx)
11/04/2017

Wondering if you have tried an ozone machine? It's worked for me if I use it regularly.


Echinacea

1 User Review
5 star (1) 
  100%

Posted by Annie (London, Uk) on 10/04/2012
★★★★★

Hi, I would like to tell you that I find that echinacea taken in tablet form, as soon as I feel it starting(often with a chronically itching inside of the nose, similar to the feeling of coming down with a cold), or under the skin swelling, has worked wonders in stopping it in its tracks. Its stopped it actually appearing anywhere. I take up a large dose(6-8 tablets) straightaway. Keep taking it, paying attention to diet, early nights and rest. Echinacea tincture/vodka sterilises the site of it. Make sure you wipe vodka inwards. It works just as well as fucidin. Although, that helps to soften the lesions. I strip off old dead skin, with tweezers, applying more vodka/echinacea tincture. It stings but its works. Lots of sterilising needed throughout the day of skin, hands tweezers etc.


Goldenseal Root Powder

1 User Review
5 star (1) 
  100%

Posted by Joanna (Nashville) on 08/12/2023
★★★★★

Goldenseal Root Powder for Impetigo

This works painlessly. Use an old sheet because the powder stains. Sprinkle powder onto oozing sores, and as the powder absorbs the ooze, add more powder. This forms a natural scab. If I remember, it only took one or maybe 2 nights of this. NO SCRUBBING the sores like the doctors want us to do. And, no, antibiotics (forget what kind) did not work. This worked and the kids did not have to suffer any pain.


Grapefruit Seed Extract

10 User Reviews
5 star (9) 
  90%
4 star (1) 
  10%

Posted by Karen (San Francisco, Ca) on 06/07/2017
★★★★★

I was using a strong topical antibiotic on my recurring impetigo. I was warned by my doctor to not overuse it, but little spots would show up on my legs and I struggled to keep outbreaks under control. After checking Earth Clinic, I tried grapefruit seed extract. It has basically cured my impetigo. As soon as I detect a spot, I apply the extract directly, and by the next day the rash is gone. Truly remarkable. Thanks, Earth Clinic!

Replied by Lena
(Hawaii)
10/26/2017

hi, I am@wondering which brand GSE you used. I have been informed that since they've removed the synthetic preservatives GSE actually has no real antiseptic properties. I am desperately seeking a cure for my 1yo


Grapefruit Seed Extract
Posted by Charlotte (Toronto, Canada) on 02/13/2013
★★★★☆

Hi Guys, I am a 25 year old female. I recently came back from a backpacking trip in South East Asia where I believe I somehow contracted Impetigo on my face. At first it was dry, even if I'd lotion repeatedly. Then, it became raised and then eventually started weeping yellow crusts.

Over the next few weeks, in and out of different doctors offices, I tried an anti-biotic course, some cream, and finally Fucidin. Fucidin seemed to work. I also want to note that during the time it flared up, I would avoid make-up. Well, a week or so after it would disappear, it would return again. Slowly. With redness, then warmth, then itch and finally small, barely noticeable 'weeps'. I would go back to using Fucidin but as a female, its difficult, because its extremely shiney, oil-y and embarassing. I also have adult acne, so oil was not helping. I would treat the impetigo, and develop more acne.

After weeks and weeks of this back and forth reccurence, I found this forum which led me to a CURE - Grapefruit Seed Extract. I bought the pills and started taking 2 pills 3 times a day. As soon as I ran out, I wanted to see if it would come back, and it HAS. That is how I know Grapefruit Seed Extract was really working. I have not tried topical, but I will this week. My only question is what makes it flare up? Do you think eating foods with yeast, drinking alcohol, using make-up, make it worse?



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