Ayurvedic Herbal Treatment - Impetigo

The Ayurvedic treatment of impetigo is aimed at treating the infection by using local applications and oral treatment. Ointments containing medicines like Manjishtha (Rubia cordifolia), Saariva (Hemidesmus indicus), Yashtimadhuk (Glycerrhiza glabra), Mandukparni (Centella asiatica), Chandan (Santalum album), Haridra (Curcuma longa), Daruharidra (Berberis aristata) and Usheer (Vetiveria zizanioidis) are used for local application. Ointments containing Gandhak (Purified sulphur) and Ras-Sindur can also be used for this purpose.

Oral medicines are given in order to treat the infection, prevent its spread and facilitate early healing. Medicines used for this purpose are: Triphala-Guggulu, Sukshma-Triphala, Gandhak-Rasayan, Mahamanjishthadi-Qadha, Panch-Tikta-Ghrut-Guggulu, Arogya-Vardhini, Chandraprabha-Vati, Yograj-Guggulu and Kaishor-Guggulu. Those who do not respond to these medicines can be given additional medicines like Abhrak-Bhasma, Trivang-Bhasma, Laghu-Malini-Vasant and Madhu-Malini-Vasant. Affected individuals, usually children, who have recurrent impetigo, are treated with medicines like Maha-Manjishthadi-Qadha, Guggulu (Commiphora mukul), Shallaki (Boswellia serrata), Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum), Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus), Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Mandukparni and Yashtimadhuk on a long term basis to make the skin more resistant to infections.

Most lesions of impetigo usually resolve completely in 7 to 10 days with treatment, without scarring or complications. It is important to keep the wounds clean, to wash hands after coming in contact with the lesions, and to avoid contact with infected persons. Because of the contagious nature of impetigo, children should not return to day care or school before the lesions clear.

Dr. A. A. Mundewadi is Chief Ayurvedic Physician at Mundewadi Ayurvedic Clinic based at Thane, Maharashtra, India. He is available as an online Ayurvedic Consultant at http://www.ayurvedaphysician.com