Impetigo

Impetigo is a contagious skin infection with a rich history.

Its name, derived from the Latin word impetere meaning “to attack,” dates back to the 14th century.

While anyone can develop impetigo, it’s most common in children aged 2 to 5. Caused by staphylococcus (staph) or streptococcus (strep) bacteria, it typically affects the epidermis on the face, arms, and legs.

Both conventional and non-conventional approaches—or a combination of the two—can be effective in managing impetigo.

If you’re dealing with impetigo or any skin condition, visit our Dermatology Specialist Clinic in Camden, London. With over 30 years of expertise, we blend Chinese medicine and modern science to support long-term skin health naturally.

You can also get free online health advice anytime.

How can we help?

With a strong endorsement from the World Health Organisation (WHO) for various conditions, Chinese Medicine has a proven track record of addressing skin disorders, including impetigo.

Research suggests that CM can complement conventional treatments or serve as an effective, drug-free alternative—delivering results without harsh side effects or reliance on long-term medication.

Chinese Medicine seems to work by stimulating the nervous, endocrine, and immune systems to restore balance and promote natural healing. Acupuncture, in particular, may enhance blood flow, reduce inflammation, repair skin lesions, and restore the skin barrier. Additionally, Chinese Medicine is known to positively influence stress and emotional well-being, which often play a significant role in skin conditions.

How quickly will you see results?

You can expect improvement in about 4 weeks, though skin conditions often respond faster than other issues. With acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine, many people notice visible changes—like reduced symptoms and inflammation—within 1–2 weeks.

Consistency and regular sessions are key to achieving lasting results.

As your skin clears, we’ll adjust the approach and gradually reduce herbal formulas, helping you transition off them safely and sustainably.

About Impetigo

Impetigo is a highly contagious and uncomfortable skin condition caused by staphylococcus (staph) or streptococcus (strep) bacteria. It infects the epidermis, the outermost layer of the skin, and typically appears on the face, arms, and legs. Most commonly affecting children aged 2 to 5, impetigo spreads easily in environments like schools and nurseries where close contact facilitates transmission.

The bacteria responsible for impetigo are common in the environment and thrive in warm, moist conditions. While they often live harmlessly on the skin or inside the nose, they can cause infection if they enter through cuts, scratches, or other skin breaks.

Types of Impetigo

Impetigo is classified as either primary or secondary:

• Primary Impetigo: Develops on healthy skin, often through small breaks like cuts, insect bites, or scratches.
• Secondary Impetigo: Occurs alongside other skin conditions, such as eczema, where the skin barrier is already compromised.

Both types can present as bullous or non-bullous impetigo, with distinct symptoms:

• Bullous Impetigo: Characterised by large, painless, fluid-filled blisters.
• Non-Bullous Impetigo: The most common type (accounting for over 70% of cases), marked by itchy or painful reddish sores that quickly form fluid-filled blisters. These burst and develop yellowish crusts.

In both types, marks typically fade after the crusting stage without leaving scars. However, in some cases, the infection may be accompanied by fever or swollen glands. In more severe situations, it can spread to deeper layers of the skin, resulting in cellulitis—a painful skin condition—or involve the lymph nodes, leading to lymphadenitis.

Recognising these distinctions is important for identifying and managing impetigo effectively.

Western Medicine View

In Western medicine, the exact reasons why bacteria like staphylococcus and streptococcus, which often live harmlessly on the skin, suddenly become infectious are not fully understood. Genetics, environmental factors, and underlying health conditions are believed to play a role in the development of impetigo.

Certain conditions and factors increase the likelihood of developing impetigo, including:

• Compromised immune systems (e.g., HIV, AIDS).
• Chronic illnesses like diabetes.
• Skin conditions such as eczema, dermatitis, or psoriasis.
• Skin damage from sunburns, other burns, or scratching infections like lice, scabies, herpes simplex, or chickenpox.

In Western care, impetigo is typically managed with antibiotics to clear the infection, reduce symptoms, and prevent it from spreading. Mild cases often respond well to topical antibiotic creams, while more severe infections may require oral antibiotics. With appropriate treatment, impetigo usually resolves within 7 to 10 days, leading to a relatively quick recovery.

Chinese Medicine View

In Chinese Medicine, the skin is seen as a window to your overall health, reflecting the condition of your internal organs. Impetigo, like many skin conditions, is believed to arise from underlying imbalances in the body. Specifically, it’s linked to Heat in the Lung ZF and Dampness in the Spleen ZF, which disrupt the body’s natural harmony.

Referred to in Chinese Medicine as Huang Shui Chuang (“yellow water lesion”) or Nong Cao Chuang (“pus nest lesion”), impetigo is characterised by yellowish blisters that commonly appear on the face, head, and ear lobes. These blisters are often itchy and can occasionally cause discomfort.

Chinese Medicine takes a personalised approach to impetigo, using carefully selected herbal formulas tailored to each individual. These herbs may be applied externally, sometimes mixed with sesame oil, to directly target the affected areas.

Your Chinese Medicine physician will provide specific guidance, ensuring the approach is customised to your unique needs.

Lifestyle Advice

Impetigo can be uncomfortable, but combining Western medicine, Chinese Medicine, or an integrated approach can help manage it effectively. These simple tips may support your recovery and speed up skin repair:

• Watch Your Diet: Avoid spicy, greasy, and sugary foods, as they can trigger inflammation and slow wound healing. Instead, focus on a whole-food diet rich in zinc, vitamins A and E, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants.
• Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps flush out toxins and supports overall health.
• Exercise and Manage Stress: Physical activity and mindfulness practices can ease stress and anxiety, which often affect skin health.

Impetigo is highly contagious, so take precautions to protect others, especially newborns:

• Wash your hands thoroughly after touching affected areas.
• Avoid sharing personal items like towels, bed linens, or clothing.
• Wash any items that come into contact with sores in hot water with laundry bleach.

These steps, combined with the right care, can help you recover more comfortably and minimise the risk of spreading the infection.