Impetigo
What is impetigo?
Impetigo is a prevalent and highly contagious bacterial skin condition characterized by red sores appearing on the face (around the mouth and nose), hands, arms, legs, or in a child's diaper area.
Bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes (staph and strep), invade the skin through openings like cuts, scrapes, insect bites, or rashes. It can also occur on unbroken skin. While impetigo can affect anyone, it is most frequently observed in children, particularly those aged 2 to 5.
Symptoms of impetigo
Lesions on the face: Typically manifest near the nose and mouth, with potential spread to other areas through contact.
Red sores: Break open, ooze for a few days, and eventually form a yellowish-brown crust.
Bullous impetigo: A less common form characterized by large blisters on the torso, often seen in infants and young children.
Ecthyma: A more severe and painful variant, penetrating deeper into the skin, forming pus-filled sores that evolve into ulcers.
How is impetigo treated?
Impetigo is typically addressed with a topical antibiotic ointment or cream directly applied to the sores. Soaking the affected area in warm water or using wet compresses may precede the application to help remove scabs and facilitate antibiotic penetration.
For extensive sores, oral antibiotic medications may be prescribed. Completing the full antibiotic course, even if the lesions heal before completion, is crucial to preventing infection recurrence and reducing the likelihood of antibiotic resistance.
With proper treatment, impetigo generally heals within 7 to 10 days. If there is an underlying condition or skin disease, complete healing may take longer.
How do providers to test impetigo?
Healthcare providers conduct a visual examination of the affected area and evaluate symptoms.
What are some home remedies for impetigo?
Prescription antibiotic medication is the primary treatment for impetigo. For minor, localized infections that haven't spread, over-the-counter antibiotic creams or ointments containing bacitracin can be tried. Placing a non-stick bandage over the area can help prevent infection spread.
Impetigo is highly contagious and can spread through skin contact or contact with contaminated items (clothing, towels, bed linens). Itchy symptoms can lead to infection spread by scratching. Keeping fingernails short minimizes skin abrasion.
Maintaining clean skin helps prevent impetigo. Regular handwashing, bathing, and attention to skin injuries are crucial. Clean and cover affected areas with non-stick dressings and tape.
To prevent impetigo spread within families:
Avoid sharing personal items like clothing, bedding, towels, soaps, and razors.
Wash bed linens, towels, and clothing of infected individuals in hot water.
Keep home and kitchen surfaces clean.
Wear gloves when applying antibiotic ointment and wash hands thoroughly afterward.