Q: To help apply treatments, you may need to remove the top brown scabs first. Press a warm, wet cloth to the area for a few minutes, or soak the area in warm water to soften them. Gently rub the area with a wet, soapy washcloth when done, and rinse with water. Be sure to keep the washcloth separate from other people, as it can pass the rash. Antibiotic ointment is usually the first treatment option for impetigo, and your doctor will prescribe the best one for your rash. Put on gloves or a finger cot before applying the ointment. Rub the ointment on the affected area. If you do not have gloves, be sure to thoroughly wash your hands when you are done applying the ointment. Your doctor may prescribe a topical antibiotic such as mupirocin, retapamulin, or fusidic acid. The other common treatment option for impetigo is an oral antibiotic. Usually, you take an antibiotic pill once or twice a day, with food, for up to 10 days. Your doctor will probably prescribe a topical antibiotic first, unless you have an extensive or resistant rash. Resistance to oral antibiotics is becoming a problem, so doctors tend not to prescribe them unless absolutely necessary. Your doctor will likely prescribe an oral antibiotic such as dicloxacillin or cephalexin. If you are allergic to penicillin, she may prescribe clindamycin or erythromycin. Whether you are on pills or cream, follow your doctor's instructions for how long you should take it. Even if you seem to be better, the bacteria may not be completely gone, and it can come back worse if you don't finish out your medication. While it can be tempting to scratch the sores, it can also make the rash worse. It can spread the rash across your body or to another person. If you still have the rash after 7 days and it isn't showing signs of healing, you should return to your doctor, as he or she may need to give you a different antibiotic. Your doctor may need to run some tests to see what type of bacteria is causing the impetigo. Certain types of bacteria, such as MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus), have become very resistant to antibiotics. While this rash is usually not serious, it can cause rare complications. For instance, the strep version can lead to a rare disease, poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis, which can harm the kidneys. If anyone with impetigo has dark urine, you should go back to the doctor to discuss the problem. Other complications include: Scarring, especially from ecthyma impetigo. Cellulitis, which is a serious infection that affects tissues beneath your skin. Guttate psoriasis, a non-infectious skin condition that causes scaly patches on the skin. Scarlet fever, a rare bacterial infection that may develop from a streptococcus impetigo infection in some cases. Septicemia, a bacterial blood infection that requires immediate medical attention Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome (SSSS), a serious but rare skin poisoning caused by the staph bacteria.
A: Soak the area to remove scabs. Apply antibiotic ointment. Take antibiotic pills if prescribed. Always take the medication for the allotted time. Don't scratch sores. Know when to see a doctor again. Be aware of potential complications.

Q: Taking a warm bath every day can help with psoriasis by washing out flakes and scales. For added help, add colloidal oatmeal, Epsom salts, or Dead Sea salts to the water as these have properties that help soothe and moisturize skin. Keep water lukewarm and don't use harsh soap. Both can irritate skin. Strive for lukewarm water and milder soaps. Use moisturizers on your skin to prevent dryness. Moisturizers will help relieve the itchiness, redness, and roughness caused by psoriasis. Put moisturizers on right after you shower when your skin is still moist from bathing; this helps lock in the moisture. Avoid heavily scented moisturizers, as these can sometimes irritate psoriasis. For some people, drinking alcohol can reduce the effectiveness of treatments for psoriasis. Talk to your doctor about any medications you are on to see if it's safe to drink on your meds. If you go to an event where people are drinking, it might help to bring a non-alcoholic beverage you enjoy, like a soda, juice, or tea. This way, you can still feel like you're indulging yourself without compromising your psoriasis treatment. Explain to friends and family members why you need to avoid alcohol. If you're a social drinker, and feel tempted to indulge when going out, having support from your friends can help you abstain from drinking. If medical fixes aren't quite working for you, you can try homeopathic options like herbs and nutritional supplements. These can have a positive effect on psoriasis for some people. Fish oil, which can be purchased at most health food stores or supermarkets, have helped relieve psoriasis symptoms for some. Studies have been mixed on its effectiveness and generally show that while it reduces itching and flaking it might not reduce the size of skin patches. If you're willing to try fish oil, talk to your doctor first as it can interact poorly with some medications in high doses. Folic acid can be taken in pill form. It reduces symptoms of psoriasis for some, but you should talk to your doctor before adding either to your care regimen. Herbs, like Oregon grape cream, avocado and Vitamin B12 creams, aloe vera, and oregano oil can sometimes treat symptoms of psoriasis if used in moderation. Use them according to instructions on the package. With oregano oil, you should always dilute it with water or juice. It should not be used if you're pregnant as it can potentially cause miscarriage. Some people notice a reduction in psoriasis by changing their diet. Eating a balanced diet that is primarily made up of healthy fats, fresh produce, whole grains, and lean proteins is considered an anti-inflammatory diet. Coldwater fish, such as salmon, lake trout, albacore tuna, mackerel, and herring are good sources of Omega-3 fatty acids. Olive oil, walnuts, flaxseeds, and pumpkin seeds are good plant sources of Omega-3s. Eat fruits and vegetables that are all colors of the rainbow, such as carrots, strawberries, squash, mangoes, kale, spinach, and blueberries.
A:
Bathe daily. Apply moisturizers. Drink less alcohol. Try herbs and nutritional supplements. Eat an anti-inflammatory diet.