-
One brand of tea tree oilIf you've seen people praising the benefits of tea tree oil everywhere you look, there is good reason. Extracted from the Melaleuca alternifolia tree, native to Australia, tea tree oil has been proven to have antifungal and antibacterial properties. A study in the International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents concluded that tea tree oil is effective in killing off the Staphylococcus Aureus bacteria, which the Mayo Clinic lists as one of the main causes of impetigo.
To use tea tree oil to treat impetigo, wash the affected area. Using a piece of disposable gauze, gently rub the scab if the impetigo is scabbed over. You don't need to fully remove it; just loosen areas so that the tea tree oil can effectively penetrate underneath. Apply 2 to 3 drops of tea tree oil to a sterile cotton swab and then to the impetigo. Repeat this process three times per day until the impetigo has cleared. Keep sterile bandages over the impetigo to prevent it from being touched and increase the risk of spreading. -
Relieve stress to keep the immune system strong.Holistic treatment involves every aspect of a person, not just the killing of germs and bacteria. Another holistic treatment for impetigo is to keep your immune system strong. The immune system is what helps the body fight off bacteria and viruses. You can keep the immune system strong by proper hygiene of the body and eating a balanced diet that includes many fresh fruits and vegetables that are high in antioxidants such as citrus fruits, berries, peppers and leafy greens.
Another important way to boost the immune system is to learn to manage your stress. According to a report from the National Institutes of Health, stress produces certain hormones, and when the immune system senses these hormones being produced, it believes it does not have to fight. If you are stressed, find a way that works for you to relax.
