Key takeaways
- Some home remedies may help manage impetigo, though they should be used alongside an antibiotic treatment, rather than instead of.
- Aloe vera, honey, tea tree oil, garlic, ginger, and turmeric may help manage symptoms and aid healing, but research on their effectiveness for impetigo in humans is limited.
- Talk with a healthcare professional before trying home remedies for impetigo, especially in children.
Impetigo is a bacterial skin infection caused by Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes bacteria.
Infection results in raised, swollen, itchy, and oozing red sores. The rash typically occurs near the mouth and nose, but it may occur on other areas of the body.
Home remedies may help manage your symptoms and aid in the healing process. However, they should be used in addition to antibiotic treatment, not as a replacement.
Most home treatments aren’t reviewed or regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which means you can’t know exactly what ingredients, or how much of them, each product contains. So make sure to obtain products only from reputable companies.
Read on to learn about home remedies that may help manage impetigo and reduce the risk of symptoms worsening.
This African lily plant is a common ingredient for moisturizing skin products. The benefits of aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis) could also apply to skin infections such as impetigo.
While research is limited, a 2015 study tested aloe extract in a cream alongside neem oil. Results showed activity against Staphylococcus aureus as an antimicrobial when tested in a lab. This is a common bacterial strain that causes impetigo.
A 2025 article also suggests that herbal remedies containing ingredients such as aloe vera and neem may help support skin health. They could help with conditions such as impetigo.
Aloe may also counter the dryness and itching of impetigo.
Garlic (Allium sativum) has historically been used to treat bacterial, viral, and fungal infections.
A 2021 in vitro study found that garlic extract has the potential to kill certain types of bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus.
However, a 2018 case report notes that there is insufficient evidence to recommend remedies such as garlic for the treatment of impetigo.
Avoid using garlic on young children, as it may cause skin irritation.
Ginger (Zingiber officinale) is a root with a long history. It’s a seasoning that has health benefits.
Some research has explored its antimicrobial properties. A 2020 study found that components in ginger essential oil could help kill Staphylococcus aureus bacteria.
More research is necessary to determine whether ginger may help treat impetigo.
Never apply essential oil directly to the skin. Always use a carrier oil.
Avoid using ginger on young children, as it may cause skin irritation.
Grapefruit seed (Citrus x paradisi) may help manage impetigo.
A 2021 study found that grapefruit seed extract GSE had antibacterial effects against methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA). MRSA is a possible cause of impetigo.
Grapefruit seed is available as a liquid extract or tincture. Dilute it with water and then apply the mixture topically to impetigo sores. Avoid undiluted alcoholic extracts, as they can cause burning sensations on open wounds.
Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus) is another alternative herbal skin treatment. It’s available in essential oil form.
A 2016 lab study found that eucalyptus had inhibitory bioactivity effects on Streptococcus pyogenes.
A 2024 article also found that eucalyptus has the potential to fight against Staphylococcus bacteria. This could be beneficial for managing conditions such as impetigo.
Apply eucalyptus oil topically. This essential oil has been shown to be toxic, so ingesting it may be dangerous.
Avoid using eucalyptus oil on very young children, as it may cause dermatitis or skin irritation.
Neem (Azadirachta indica) is an Indian tree closely related to mahogany. Oil extracted from its bark is a popular alternative skin remedy.
Neem is usually used for insect-related skin conditions, such as those caused by lice or fleas. It also appears to be effective against certain bacteria, including strains that cause impetigo, including Staphylococcus aureus.
However, more research is necessary.
A 2025 review notes honey’s antimicrobial activity and potential for treating MRSA, so it’s possible that honey might be an effective remedy for impetigo.
Manuka honey and raw honey are two of the most effective choices. Apply either type of honey directly to impetigo sores. Rinse with warm water.
Today, tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) is a common alternative natural skin treatment that people use to manage any conditions and symptoms.
A 2020 review explains that tea tree oil has the potential to kill bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes, meaning it could be an effective remedy for impetigo.
The review also notes that tea tree oil is generally safe for topical use when formulated at no more than 25%.
Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is best known as an Asian herbal spice. It also has a history as an anti-inflammatory remedy.
Additionally, turmeric has antimicrobial properties that may help kill bacteria that cause impetigo.
Try applying a turmeric poultice directly to impetigo sores. You can do this by mixing water with turmeric powder to make a paste.
Usnea (Usnea barbata), a type of lichen, may be suitable as a topical application for impetigo. Herbal extracts or tinctures of usnea are widely available.
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Impetigo is rarely a serious condition. However, it can still spread, become serious, or lead to other health conditions if it isn’t treated properly with antibiotics.
You can try home remedies for symptom relief and to aid in healing. But you should use them in addition to, not instead of, antibiotics. This is especially true for children, specifically infants. Make sure to follow your doctor’s recommendations closely.
Before you begin using a home remedy, talk with a healthcare professional. They can advise on the safety of remedies based on individual circumstances.
If you notice your symptoms becoming worse or you’ve developed other skin irritation, stop using the remedy and talk with a healthcare professional.
If symptoms of cellulitis or kidney problems develop, seek medical help immediately. Although rare, these and other complications may still occur in severe cases of impetigo.
It’s also important to seek medical advice if impetigo leads to ecthyma, deep pus-filled sores that can be painful.
It’s important to receive antibiotic treatment for impetigo. Some home remedies alongside antibiotics may help manage symptoms.
While more research is necessary, some remedies that may help include aloe vera, garlic, ginger, grapefruit seed, eucalyptus, neem, honey, tea tree, turmeric, and usnea.
Speak with a healthcare professional for guidance before trying any home remedies. They can advise on the safety based on individual circumstances. Some may not be suitable for children.