Impetigo

Introduction – Impetigo is a contagious skin infection. It is characterized by blisters or sores on the face, neck, and hands. It is also quite common to get it in the diaper area, since this is the most common skin infection location for children.

Impetigo is caused by either staphylococcus aureus or Group A streptococcus. Impetigo is more common for preschool-aged children. The child becomes more prone to impetigo if he or she has already been infected by other skin problems such as poison ivy, eczema, or sometimes just insect bites.

One good way to avoid impetigo is with good hygiene. Because this skin infection usually occurs when there is already a rash or sore, and has been repetitively scratched. For example, an insect bite may get irritated and get infected, and thus develops into impetigo. The good news is that impetigo may be treated with an anti-biotic cream or oral medication.

Impetigo Symptoms

Impetigo infection may occur anywhere on the body, however, it is more common in the areas of the nose, mouth, hands and forearms. Having a huge pimple isn’t the worst possible scenario you can undergo. If you have something that seems like a pimple, but is surrounded by red skin, and the pus-filled lesions erupt after 4-6 days but forms a thick crust, then it’s not just a simple old pimple. It is something called impetigo.

There are three types of impetigo, impetigo contagiosa, bullous impetigo and ecthyma.

The first, Impetigo Contagiosa or non-bullous impetigo is the most common among the three. It usually starts on the nose as well as the mouth. In the area, you can observe small red sores. They may also have swollen lymph nodes around the area infected. It is usually caused by staphylococcus aureus but can also be caused by infection with group A streptococcus. Non-bullous impetigo begins as tiny blisters. Eventually, these blisters burst, and then leave some patches of red wet skin that continues to produce fluid. In time, it is covered by a yellowish crust similar to brown sugar.

The second, bullous impetigo is caused by the staphylococcus aureus bacteria. Instead of sores, you will see large blisters on the trunk or on the legs and arms. The blisters usually last longer and may come with diarrhea, fever, and body weakness. The bullous impetigo is mostly caused by staphylococcus aureus. It triggers the larger fluid-filled blisters that often starts appearing as clear, and later on becomes cloudy. These types of blisters stay intact longer without bursting.

Ecthyma is the most serious type of impetigo. This is because the bacteria spreads deep into the dermis, which is the second layer of skin. The fluid-filled blisters are painful and progress into deep ulcers. These are usually located on the legs and feet. The infected area will be covered by a thick yellow gray crust. The blisters soon form scars.

Possible Complications of Impetigo:

Complications may also occur from impetigo like poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis or PSGN, which is a kidney inflammation. This usually affects boys, ages three to seven. The complication starts two week after the infection. It is characterized by decrease in urination, blood in the urine, facial swelling, high blood pressure and painful joints.

Another possible complication from impetigo is meningitis, an infection and inflammation of the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord.

What causes impetigo?

Impetigo is most common among children and is caused by two types of bacterial. The first group is streptococcus and the other, which causes the skin disorder is the staphylococcus aureus.

School age children, particularly those at preschool are more likely to get infected by these bacteria. They are more rampant during the summer months. It is possible to get impetigo if they underwent other skin irritation through other injuries like skin allergies, or insect bites.

Because the cause of impetigo is bacteria, the most important prevention is through proper hygienic practices. This should be implemented in the household and taught to children. A clean home will lessen the chances of getting the bacteria. Another way is not taking minor irritations for granted. Avoid scratching and apply anti-itch medication if necessary.

These small precautions will make a huge difference in avoiding not only impetigo, but other skin diseases that are common in today’s world.

Impetigo, Treatment and Prevention

Impetigo is a highly infectious disease that can infect by merely scratching and then touching other parts of the body. It can easily spread to anyone who comes in contact with infected skin, or even just articles of clothing, bed linens or objects that have been touched by infected skin. This makes impetigo a serious issue. It is difficult to control and requires extreme hygiene to avoid further infection. In order to keep the disease from spreading to the other parts of the body, it may best to cover the infected areas using a gauze or bandage.

As with any medical condition, always consult with your doctor. In many cases, they will prescribe a regimen of antibiotic treatment. There are other options, however and you might ask your doctor about them. Over prescription of antibiotics has led to the development of antibiotic resistant bacteria.

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If the infection only affects a small area, then it would be possible to treat this with anti-biotic ointment. However, if you addressed the condition late and has already spread to the other parts of the body, or perhaps if the ointment did not work, then you may be prescribed oral antibiotics.

When the antibiotic treatment begins, you can expect it to start working within a few days. It is very important to use any treatment exactly as prescribed and that it is taken until the end. If this is not followed, then more serious skin infection may develop, and you may be required stronger antibiotics.

When the infection is beginning to heal, the area should be washed with a clean gauze and an antiseptic soap every day. To help remove the layers of crust, you can soak the areas in warm soapy water. Make sure not to force some crusts that are still stuck unto the skin.