It's been a stressful several months. I had another outbreak on my face. And after the dermatologist visit where she offered up doxycycline - I accepted and am on another round of antibiotics. I am frustrated that nothing is working - or maybe that my expectations are off. Plus my approach has been less than scientific - it's been a downright chaotic frenzy to throw everything at my body that even remotely could kill MRSA - and all I've done is spent 6 weeks on antibiotics now in the last 4 months.
Bummer.
I tried Allimed - cannot say that it did anything, but as I've mentioned the cost was just kind of crazy. It did improve my digestion - which made a nutritionist friend of mine curious as to whether or not I have some sort of yeast overgrowth in my gut. That being said - the cheaper - garlicase has continued the benefits that Allimed started. Also, I tried the cream topically and - didn't deliver. Not saying that it doesn't work for some people - just didn't do it for us.
I have also been battling impetigo on my son's face. I get rid of it and then a week later it reappears. I have avoided the doctor because so far I've been able to get it to go away. However, I know something is going on because it keeps coming back. My concern with antibiotics is that we are already battling food allergies and asthma. Plus with me - I've been on meds way too long - and I want to spare my son that. So we need to lick this thing naturally.
I am however, working with our MD/TCM doctor and she has agreed to send us Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang. I read another paper on it - and it has about a 50% success rate. The theory seems to be that it stimulates the immune system (NK cells and macrophages), improves the nutrition status by enhancing digestion, and possibly prevents MRSA from creating biofilms. Other than that it has not been found to have any bacteriacidal properties in vitro. Go figure. I'm hoping that it does it for us. For the cases where it works - it has been found to not only rid the body of infection, but carrier status as well. Sounds like a dream - I know.
I found a brand online - but our Dr suggested that she do it through her manufacturer in China because she is familiar with their manufacturing and extraction methods - and also she has reviewed their CFA. We anticipate receiving that in the next week or so.
Topically though I can share what we've used.
Oil of Oregano (my son hates this because it burns)
In our more desperate moments - the turtles uv lamp - very weak - for about 15 minutes at night
A bath paste - sent to us by our MD/TCM doctor - wish I could tell you what it is - simply labeled bath herb. I put it on the rash while he's in the shower and leave it on for about 5-10 minutes. If you want the ingredients I can send to - simply email me.
A white cream - called Cream #2 for itch, red, rash - again - no idea what is in it - got it at the TCM herbalist in town. (Happy to share her information via email as well).
And French Green Clay - I put a thin layer the rash area and my son sleeps with it on. It helps keep him from itching it at night - and it dries it out.
I have also used manuka oil - but this rash is by his nose and lip - and I don't want him to swallow the manuka oil. Plus there is potential for lung damage if it is aspirated - again small chance, but not risking it.
At any rate, that's where we're at. Winning some battles, losing others - but the war rages on.
I am working on an interview with some TCM practitioners. Will post in the coming weeks.
