Impetigo is a highly contagious skin disorder, diagnosed primarily in children who are 12 or under, but occasionally seen in adults. It is a bacterial infection of the outermost layers of skin caused when Staphylococcus or Streptococcus bacteria enter through a pre-existing break in the skin. Although impetigo is treated primarily with antibiotic therapy, what you eat and drink can make a significant difference in the speed with which the infection is brought under control.
Symptoms and Forms of Infection
Particularly difficult to control because of the ease with which it spreads, impetigo usually begins as a cluster of red sores close to the site through which the infectious bacteria first entered. Within a short time, these red sores tend to break open, ooze fluid or pus for a few days, then develop a yellowish-brown crust. The sores usually cause intense itching, but avoid scratching to prevent spreading the infection to other parts of the body by touch.
The three primary forms of impetigo are nonbullous impetigo, also known as impetigo contagiosa; bullous impetigo; and ecthyma. Both bullous and nonbullous forms usually confine themselves to the epidermis, or outer layer of skin, while ecthyma, the most serious form, penetrates to the dermis, the layer below the epidermis. Nonbullous is most common and usually begins as a sore or cluster of sores in the area of the nose or mouth. These sores are itchy, but not painful. Bullous impetigo, seen most often in infants and very young children, begins with the appearance of painless, but itchy fluid-filled blisters on the arms, legs and trunk. The sores that accompany ecthyma are fluid- or pus-filled, and tend to be painful more than itchy and can develop into deep ulcers that leave scars.
Fruits, Vegetables and Grains
Herbalist Aviva Jill Romm, author of “Naturally Healthy Babies and Children,” recommends a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, preferably those with high levels of antioxidants, to help the body fight off infections. To more quickly bring the infection under control, SpeedyRemedies.com suggests an all-fruit diet for two to three days. Although all fresh fruits are acceptable, apples, grapes, oranges, papayas, pears and pineapples are said to be particularly beneficial for impetigo sufferers.
Other Acceptable Foods
In “Smart Medicine for a Healthier Child,” naturopathic doctor Janet Zand and Dr. Robert Rountree suggest supplementing the fruit-and-vegetables diet with grains, soups and lean proteins.
Beverages
A good way to boost the immune response in impetigo patients is with vegetable juices, Romm says. She recommends using the juices of beets, carrots and other fresh vegetables, with the addition of just enough fresh apple juice to make the drink more palatable. Pure vegetable juices might be fine for adult impetigo patients, but the apple juice addition can be particularly helpful in getting children to drink the beverage.
Foods to Avoid
Zand and Rountree suggest avoiding all refined sugars and fried foods during the active phases of impetigo. Romm urges that impetigo sufferers sharply reduce or eliminate dairy foods, fatty red meats and peanut butter from their diet until the infection has cleared.
