1. Use Antibiotic Cream or Soap
Impetigo is a bacterial infection that causes red running sores on the face and arms. It spreads when the blisters rupture, and can cause infection on other parts of your body and on people around you as well. Gently wash the affected areas a few times a day using antibacterial soap, and softly rub antibacterial cream onto the skin. You can buy both of them over the counter at most drug stores, and a doctor may be able to prescribe more potent medication as well. Take care when treating the impetigo so as not to break any of the blisters.
2. Take an Oatmeal Bath
Colloidal oatmeal powder can be mixed in with bathwater as an effective means of treating impetigo. Run lukewarm water into the bath and spread 2 or 3 cups of the oatmeal into the water until it's fully dispersed. Soak in it for a good 15 or 20 minutes, making sure you treat the area with the impetigo blisters. When you dry off, blot with the towel rather than rubbing with it, and don't use anyone's towel but your own. Take a bath like this once a day until the symptoms go away. It will soften the scabs and help keep the itching down.
3. Cover the Infected Area With Gauze
Impetigo spreads through broken sores and the pus found within them. You should never scratch or pick at an area infected with impetigo. By wrapping gauze bandages loosely around the area, it can keep accidental breaks and ruptures from spreading the infection. They can also help keep you from scratching. Keep the bandages loose to allow the skin to breathe, and change them if they get too damp.
4. Don't Share Personal Items
Impetigo is very contagious. Fluids from the blisters can get on clothes, towels and anything else that comes into contact with you. Wash the clothes you wear with hot water and detergent and never borrow anyone else's for any reason. Don't mix towels or washcloths, either. Keep an eye on places you touch, like doorknobs or counter tops, and disinfect them promptly if you think there's a chance of infection. Avoid excessive contact from other people. Stay home from work, keep infected kids home from school, and let somebody else run your errands until the impetigo sores have healed.
