How is impetigo treated?
Mild impetigo is normally treated by applying over-the-counter or prescription strength topical antibiotics onto sores several times a day for 5 to 10 days, as well as regularly washing them with soapy warm water. Cleaning your sores before applying the antibiotics helps get rid of the infection.
Sometimes, if the infection is widespread or persistent, then oral or intravenous (injected) antibiotics may be required. Or if your sores are particularly deep and you have ecthyma, your GP might give you an oral antibiotic.
For impetigo, we offer Fucidin Cream, which is an antibiotic cream that tackles the infection by killing the bacteria that causes impetigo.
How do these treatments work?
Topical antibiotics work by stopping or slowing down the growth of the bacteria. They can also reduce any itching, redness, and swelling in your skin through activation of natural substances in your body.
How effective are impetigo treatments?
Impetigo treatments are generally quite effective and symptoms usually clear up in 7 to 10 days. However, it is important you follow your treatment program properly. If you are taking oral antibiotics you should finish the course, even if you start to feel better. Or if you are applying a topical antibiotic you should always clean your skin before applying it.
Natural home remedies can sometimes help to relieve impetigo symptoms. However, they should not be used instead of antibiotics.
Aloe vera, chamomile, garlic, ginger, grapefruit seed, eucalyptus, neem, honey, tea tree, turmeric, and usnea have been shown to have some effect in fighting the bacteria which cause skin infections.