Impetigo
On this page, you will find everything you need to know about impetigo.
What is Impetigo?
Impetigo is a bacterial skin infection that commonly affects children between the ages of 2 and 6, though it can also affect adults. It occurs when an injury, bite, or scratch allows bacteria to enter through the skin and cause an infection. In some cases, impetigo can infect the skin even without it being scratched or injured.
What are the symptoms of impetigo?
- The first signs of impetigo usually manifest as sores and blisters around the mouth and nose, and they can also appear on the legs and arms. These blisters are accompanied by several symptoms, including:
- One or more pus-filled blisters that burst easily, leading to red skin.
- Itchy blisters containing a yellow or brown fluid that leaks and forms a crust.
- A spreading rash.
- Skin wounds on the lips, nose, ears, arms, and legs and they can appear on other parts of the body.
Swollen lymph nodes near the affected area.
- The symptoms may worsen if the cause of impetigo is Staphylococcus bacteria, exhibited by:
- Red skin surrounding red, fluid- or pus-filled blisters.
- Blisters that burst easily.
Shiny skin areas with a yellow/brown crust.
- What are the causes of impetigo?
- The main cause of impetigo is bacterial infection, whereby bacteria enter the skin through cuts, scratches, rashes, or insect bites. The bacteria causing impetigo can vary, including:
- Staphylococcus aureus (staph bacteria).
- Group A streptococcus bacteria.
- Impetigo can be contracted by touching an infected person; the infection can spread through contact with the sores, mucus, or nasal discharge of an infected person. \
People can also spread impetigo by sharing items such as towels, clothes, or other personal belongings with an infected person.
What are the diagnostic methods?
Doctors diagnose impetigo based on the appearance of the sores. A skin sample can be taken to identify the bacteria causing the disease, which can assist in determining the appropriate antibiotic to use.
What are the treatment methods for impetigo?
- Treatment follows several procedures according to necessity and may include:
- Topical antibiotics are applied to the skin.
Oral antibiotics in liquid or pill form are used if impetigo covers large areas of the skin or multiple parts of the body.
What are the prevention methods for impetigo?
- The best ways to prevent infection are personal and physical hygiene; the following tips can help avoid impetigo:
- Maintain clean hands: Wash your hands regularly or use an alcohol-based sanitizer if soap and water are unavailable.
- Maintain healthy behaviors: Regularly trim your (and your children’s) nails to avoid scratching, sneeze into a tissue and dispose of it, and bathe daily if possible, especially for children with eczema or sensitive skin.
- Avoid scratching: Do not scratch wounds. If your child has a cut or scratch, prevent them from scratching it.
- Clean wounds: Clean cuts, scratches, and injuries with soap and water.
- Keep linens clean: Wash underwear, towels, and bedsheets in hot water.
In the event of infection, care for and cover wounds to reduce the chance of spreading bacteria or infection to others.
What are the complications of impetigo?
- Complications are rare, but if they occur, they may include:
- A rash spreading to deeper layers of the skin.
- Kidney problems, known as post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis.
Group A streptococcus bacteria can also cause these, which leads to strep throat and fever.
When should you see a doctor?
If you notice red, yellow, or golden blisters on your or your child’s skin, inform your healthcare provider.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Signs of impetigo appeared in my child. How long does the treatment take?
Impetigo often clears up in about three weeks, even without treatment, though the symptoms may take longer to disappear.
Signs of impetigo appeared in my child. How long is the disease contagious?
The infection remains contagious as long as symptoms are present.
Is it possible to get impetigo more than once?
Yes, it is possible to contract impetigo more than once, as having it does not grant full immunity after treatment.
When can one return to work after having impetigo?
- People with impetigo can return to work, school, or daycare if:
- They have started antibiotic treatment.
