White Vinegar
To promote healing of the skin sores, it is essential to keep the affected area clean, using either water or an antibiotic wash.
You can prepare your own antibiotic solution with white vinegar. It will help stop the spread of the infection and dry up the affected area.
Mix 1 tablespoon of white distilled vinegar in 2 cups of lukewarm water.
Using a cotton ball, wash the infected skin with this solution.
Pat the skin dry and apply an over-the-counter antibiotic ointment.
Cover the area lightly with gauze.
Repeat 2 or 3 times daily until the infection is gone.
Heat Therapy
You can use heat therapy to cure impetigo. Heat will help kill the bacteria responsible for this infection. In addition, it will help dry the sores and lesions caused by impetigo.
Soak a washcloth in hot water and wring out the excess liquid.
Apply the warm washcloth on the affected area for a few minutes.
Repeat several times a day.
You can also use a blow dryer to apply heat on the affected area. Keep the settings of the blow dryer to a minimum.
Tea tree oil can halt the spread of this bacterial infection. This essential oil has strong antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that help fight the infection and relieve the symptoms.
Add a few drops of tea tree oil to 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Apply this mixture thoroughly over the affected area. Allow it to sit for 20 to 30 minutes, then rinse it off with lukewarm water. Do this 2 or 3 times daily for a few days.
Alternatively, add a few drops of tea tree oil to a small tub of lukewarm water. Use the solution to wash the affected area a few times daily.
Grapefruit Seed Extract
Grapefruit seed extract (GSE) is effective in curing impetigo. It has antioxidant and antibacterial properties and works as a non-toxic disinfectant.
Add a few drops of grapefruit seed extract in 2 tablespoons of water. Apply it on the affected area with a cotton ball 2 or 3 times daily. It might cause some itching in the beginning, but it will cure the infection soon.
You can also take GSE supplements twice daily for a speedy recovery. Always consult a doctor before taking any supplement.