Louise Witonsky wrote:
A child has been diagnosed with impetigo and prescribed with antibiotics. What exactly is impetigo? Can one get impetigo from playing in the soil? Most importantly, are there any other remedies besides antibiotics to cure it? Some over the counter or health food alternatives?

Dear Louise,
Impetigo is a bacterial infection caused by strept or staph and is very contagious. It usually occurs around the mouth or nose where skin irritation has already occurred. Over the counter antibiotic ointments will usually clear it up but sometimes oral antibiotics are needed. There is a post on this site titled Impetigo if you would like to read further.
Nurselady

Rebekah wrote:
I just got my belly button pierced a week ago and a little bump is starting to take root, close to the piercing. Is this normal?

Dear Rebekah,

I have seen this problem several times. It seems that sometimes the bump goes away with warm compresses and other times there was a need for medical attention. I would recommend that you call the facility where you had the piercing done and speak with them first.

Nurselady

Jenna wrote:
i have a strong urge to keep picking at my scabs but i know that its not good for my skin. do you have any suggestions for how to quit cuz its a habit at this point.

Dear Jenna,
Yes, picking at scabs is a bad habit and will form scarring. I suggest you cover it with a dry bandage during your waking hours and remove it before going to bed. This way it protects the scab from you picking at it and also allows it to get air at night and continue to heal.
Nurselady

Will wrote:
Help! I’ve got a red rash that itches like crazy around my privates and don’t know what to do about it. It’s a little embarrassing. But I’ve never had sex so it can’t be an STD. Any ideas what this might be? It started just as the weather started getting warmer. Could it be an allergic reaction?

Dear Will,
It could possibly be an allergic reaction. Have you changed soap or detergent lately? It could also be a fungal infection called jock itch. Another possibility is pubic lice, have you had any close contact with anyone where you might have been exposed. It sounds like you need to visit your doctor for a definite diagnosis and treatment.
Nurselady