Impetigo

Description

Impetigo (im-puh-TIE-go) is a common and highly contagious skin infection that mainly affects infants and young children. It usually appears as red sores on the face, especially around the nose and mouth, and on hands and feet. In about a week, the sores burst and develop honey-colored crusts.

Treatment with antibiotics can limit the spread of impetigo to others. Keep children home from school or daycare until they no longer contagious, usually 24 hours after beginning antibiotic treatment.

Symptoms

The main symptom of impetigo is reddish sores, often around the nose and mouth. The sores that quickly rupture, ooze for a few days and then form a honey-colored crust. Sores can spread to other areas of the body through touch, clothes and towels. Itching and soreness are generally mild.

A less common form of the disease called impetigo impetigo, causes large blisters on the trunk of babies and young children. Ecthyma is a serious form of impetigo that causes painful fluid-or pus-filled sores.

When to see a doctor

If you suspect that you or your child has impetigo, see your family doctor, your child's pediatrician or a dermatologist.

Causes

Impetigo is caused by bacteria, usually staphylococcus organisms.

You can be exposed to the bacteria that cause impetigo when you come into contact with the sores of an infected person, or objects that have been touched — such as clothing, bed linen, towels and even toys.

Risk factors

The factors that increase the risk of impetigo include:

  • Age. Impetigo occurs most commonly in children of 2 to 5.
  • Contact closure. Impetigo is easily spread within families, in crowded settings, such as schools and child care facilities, and participate in sports that involve skin-to-skin contact.
  • Of a warm and humid climate. Impetigo infections are more common in hot and humid weather.
  • The broken skin. The bacteria that cause impetigo often enter the skin through a small cut, insect bite or a rash.
  • Other health conditions. Children with other skin diseases, such as atopic dermatitis (eczema), are more likely to develop impetigo. Older adults, people with diabetes or people with a weakened immune system are also more likely to get it.

Complications

Impetigo usually is not dangerous. And the wounds in the milder forms of the infection is usually heal without leaving scars.

Rarely, complications of impetigo include:

  • The cellulite. This potentially life-threatening infection affects the underlying tissues of the skin, and, finally, it can spread to the lymph nodes and the bloodstream.
  • Kidney problems. One of the types of bacteria that cause impetigo can also damage the kidneys.
  • The healing. The ulcers associated with ecthyma can leave scars.

Prevention

Keep the skin clean is the best way to keep it healthy. It is important to wash the cuts, scrapes, insect bites and other injuries immediately.

To help prevent impetigo from spreading to others:

  • Wash the affected areas with mild soap and running water, and then cover lightly with gauze.
  • Wash an infected person's clothes, bedding and towels every day with hot water and do not share it with anyone else in your family.
  • Wear gloves when you apply the antibiotic ointment and wash your hands afterwards.
  • Cut an infected child's fingernails short to prevent damage from scratching.
  • Promote and regulate the washing of hands and general hygiene.
  • Keep your child with impetigo home until your doctor says that you are not contagious.

Impetigo

Diagnosis

To diagnose impetigo, your doctor can look for sores on the face or body. Laboratory tests are usually not needed.

If the wounds are not clear, even with antibiotic treatment, your doctor may take a sample of liquid produced by a pain and a test to see what types of antibiotics that would work best in him. Some types of bacteria that cause impetigo have become resistant to certain antibiotics.

Treatment

Impetigo is treated with prescription antibiotic mupirocin ointment or cream that is applied directly on the wounds of two to three times a day for five to 10 days.

Before applying the medicine, soaked in hot water or apply a damp cloth to compress a couple of minutes. Then, dry, and gently remove any crusts so that the antibiotic can penetrate the skin. Place a non-stick bandage over the area to help prevent ulcers of the broadcast.

For ecthyma or if more than a couple of lesions of impetigo are present, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics taken by mouth. Be sure to finish the full course of medication, even if the sores heal.

Self-care

For minor infections that have not spread to other areas, you can attempt the treatment of ulcers with an over-the-counter antibiotic cream or ointment. The placement of a non-stick bandage on the area can help to prevent ulcers of the broadcast. Avoid sharing personal items such as towels or sports team, while contagious.

Preparing for your appointment

When you call your family doctor or child's pediatrician to make an appointment, ask if you need to do anything to avoid infecting others in the waiting room.

Here's some information to help you prepare for your appointment.

What you can do

Make a list of the following in preparation for your appointment:

  • The symptoms you or your child is experiencing
  • All the drugs, vitamins, and supplements that you or your child is taking
  • Key medical information, including other conditions
  • Questions to ask your doctor

Questions to ask your doctor

  • What could be the cause of the sores?
  • The tests are necessary to confirm the diagnosis?
  • What is the best course of action?
  • What can I do to prevent the spread of infection?
  • What skin care routines do you recommend as the condition is cured?

In addition to the questions that you've prepared to ask your doctor, do not hesitate to ask questions during your appointment.

What to expect from your doctor

Your doctor may ask you a series of questions, such as:

  • When I did the sores start?
  • What did the ulcers are like when they first started?
  • You have recently had in the cuts, scrapes and insect bites in the affected area?
  • Are the wounds of pain or itching?
  • What, if anything, makes the sores the better or worse?
  • Does anyone in your family already has impetigo?
  • This problem has occurred in the past?
Symptoms and treatment of Impetigo