Eczema, Impetigo, Herbal Antibiotics
Answered by: Christine Dennis
Question from: Judith
Posted on: May 20, 2009

I have a bad case of eczema which I believe has been caused by long term intermittent use of betaderm. I also now have a "heavy" case of impetigo, the result of all the itching of the eczema patches. Although I haven’t used anti-biotics for over 20 years I decided to take them for the impetigo, along with Bio-K. Almost immediately I began to react to the anti-biotics with the rashes and itching increasing exponentially, or so it seemed. Do you have any suggestions for a natural antibiotic I take take orally and/or use topically.

Microbes, such as those responsible for impetigo, are opportunistic and form relationships within their eco-system. Working with the body so that the immune function remains within its healthy ranges and boundaries is important. The goals when dealing with infections such as impetigo, are to disinfect externally and do immune support. Once the infection is eliminated focus can be placed on the regeneration of skin tissue. Some herbal actions needed are:

Antiseptics - to clean and disinfect the area - i.e. Echinacea, Hydrastis canadensis, Calendula off. Astringents - to disinfect and change the terrain of the skin - i.e. witch hazel, Achillea millefolium, Hydrastis canadensis Anodyne - pain relieving -i.e. Echinacea Vulneraries - helps tissues heal and soothes irritations -i.e. Symphytum officinale (do not use until infection is gone), Stellaria media, Plantago off., Calendula off.

For information on immune support, please see: http://www.richters.com/qa-search.cgi?search=immune For information on eczema please see: http://www.richters.com/qa-search.cgi?search=eczema For more information on impetigo please see: http://www.richters.com/qa-search.cgi?search=impetigo

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