Impetigo flare-ups
About three months ago, I suffered a severe attack of impetigo for the first time in my life. After a month and two different courses of antibiotics, it had still not cleared so I consulted a homeopath who gave me Arum triphyllum. This did clear most of the problem but I still have some infection which flares up every so often. How can I get rid of it completely?
Impetigo is a highly infectious skin disorder caused by Staphylococcus or Streptococcus. Characterised by small and painful pus-filled blisters, it usually affects children more than adults and can follow an injury such as sunburn or an insect bite which causes a break in the skin allowing the infection to take hold.
The conventional treatment is antibiotics, and homeopathy can help. The fact that you have a lingering infection is a sign you need a more holistic approach to the problem says Fildema Spilsbury, a natural therapist who suggests a programme designed to support your immune system, your digestion, your lymphatic system and your emotional state of mind.
You will need to eat more of the Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs) which support the adrenal glands. These produce hormones to help fight infection and reduce inflammation. Vegetable oils are as good source of EFAs, as are oily fish. Eat a low fat, low sugar low cholesterol diet and take a good anti stress vitamin B complex supplement daily. Vitamin A, which maintains healthy skin, can also help fight this infection. Take 10,000 IU, 1-3 times a day.
Bathing in bicarbonate of soda or a rock salt bath (dissolve 4 teaspoons to one bath) will help cleanse the skin from the outside while simple yoga breathing techniques will do the same job internally.
*Fildema Spilsbury combines nutritional advice, reflexology and Sivananda yoga in her holistic treatment plans. She charges £35 for an initial consultation and can be contacted on 01628-783659.