Impetigo

Impetigo is a very common skin infection that easily spreads from person to person. It's most often seen in babies and young children. The infection usually starts with red, irritated sores, often found on the face (especially around the nose and mouth) and on the hands and feet. These sores, over a period of about a week, will open up and form a crusty, honey-colored scab.

Impetigo is a skin infection that usually shows up as red sores, often near the nose and mouth. These sores break open and leak a fluid for a few days. After the fluid stops, a honey-colored scab forms. The sores can spread to other parts of the body if someone touches them or shares things like clothing or towels. Usually, the itching and soreness are not very bad.

A less common type of impetigo is called bullous impetigo. This form causes bigger, blister-like sores, mainly on the body of babies and young children. A more severe type of impetigo is called ecthyma. Ecthyma creates painful sores that are filled with fluid or pus.

If you think you or your child might have impetigo, see a doctor. This could be your family doctor, your child's pediatrician, or a dermatologist. These are medical professionals who can properly diagnose and treat impetigo. Don't try to treat it yourself; it's important to get the right medical care.

Impetigo is a skin infection caused by bacteria, most often a type called staphylococcus.

You can get impetigo if you touch someone with impetigo, or something they've touched, like their clothes, bed sheets, towels, or even toys. The bacteria that cause impetigo spread through direct contact.

Impetigo is a skin infection that's more common in certain situations. Here are some things that make you more likely to get impetigo:

• Age: Kids between the ages of 2 and 5 are most often affected. This is likely because they're more likely to be around other kids and touch surfaces where the bacteria can spread.

• Close Contact: Impetigo spreads easily from person to person. This happens a lot in places where people are close together, like families, schools, or childcare centers. It can also spread through sports or other activities that involve physical contact. If someone has impetigo, it's important to avoid close contact to keep it from spreading.

• Weather: Hot, humid weather makes impetigo more likely. This is because warm, moist environments can help the bacteria that cause impetigo grow and spread.

• Skin Injuries: The bacteria that cause impetigo often get into the skin through small cuts, scrapes, insect bites, or existing skin rashes. This is why it's important to keep skin healthy and prevent injuries. If you have a cut or rash, take extra care to keep it clean and covered to avoid infection.

• Other Health Issues: Children with skin conditions like eczema (atopic dermatitis) are more prone to impetigo. This is because their skin is often more irritated and broken, providing an easier entry point for the bacteria. Adults with conditions like diabetes or a weakened immune system can also be more susceptible to impetigo. A weakened immune system means the body has a harder time fighting off infections.

Impetigo is usually not a serious illness. Most cases, especially milder ones, get better on their own without leaving any marks.

However, in some less common situations, impetigo can lead to problems:

• Cellulitis: This is a more serious infection that affects the deeper layers of skin. It can potentially spread to the lymph nodes (small glands throughout the body) and even the bloodstream. If this happens, it's important to get medical help right away. Cellulitis can be dangerous.

• Kidney problems: Some types of bacteria that cause impetigo can sometimes hurt the kidneys. This is less common, but it's important to note that it is a possible complication.

• Scarring: A more severe form of impetigo called ecthyma can leave scars. These sores are deeper and often larger than the sores in milder forms of impetigo.

Healthy skin starts with cleanliness. It's crucial to clean any cuts, scrapes, insect bites, or other wounds right away. This helps prevent infections.

To stop impetigo from spreading:

• Clean the affected skin: Gently wash the area with mild soap and water. Then, cover the wound lightly with gauze. This helps keep the area clean and prevents further spread.

• Wash contaminated items: Wash all clothes, bedding, and towels that the infected person has used every day with hot water. Don't let anyone else in the family use these items until they're properly cleaned. This is important because impetigo germs can spread on these items.

• Use care when treating the wound: If you're applying antibiotic ointment, wear gloves to avoid getting the infection on your hands. After applying the ointment, wash your hands thoroughly.

• Keep nails short: Shorten any infected child's nails to prevent them from scratching the affected area, which could make the infection worse.

• Promote good hygiene: Encourage everyone to wash their hands frequently and practice good hygiene in general. This helps prevent the spread of germs.

• Stay home until cleared by a doctor: Keep your child at home until their doctor says they are no longer contagious. This helps prevent the spread of impetigo to others.

Doctors usually diagnose impetigo by looking for sores on the skin, often on the face or body. Most of the time, no lab tests are needed.

If the sores don't go away even after using antibiotics, a doctor might want to know what kind of bacteria is causing the infection. They might take a small sample of fluid from a sore and send it to a lab. This helps figure out which antibiotic will be most effective. Some types of bacteria that cause impetigo have developed a resistance to certain antibiotics, meaning those antibiotics won't work as well. This is why testing the bacteria is important so the right medicine can be chosen.

Impetigo is a skin infection that can be treated at home with a special ointment. The treatment usually involves applying a medicine called mupirocin directly to the sores. This should be done two to three times a day for about five to ten days.

To make the medicine work better, first soak the infected area in warm water or use a warm, wet cloth for a few minutes. This helps soften any scabs. Then, gently pat the area dry and carefully remove any scabs. This lets the medicine reach the affected skin. After applying the ointment, cover the area with a bandage made of a material that won't stick to the skin. This helps prevent the infection from spreading.

If the skin infection is more serious (like ecthyma) or if you have many impetigo sores, your doctor might prescribe a pill form of antibiotics. It's very important to take all of the medicine, even if the sores look better or have gone away. Stopping the medicine early can sometimes cause the infection to come back.

If you have a small infection that hasn't spread, you might try using a store-bought antibiotic cream or ointment on the affected area. Putting a bandage on top can help stop the infection from getting worse. It's also important to avoid sharing personal items like towels or sports gear while you're dealing with the infection, as this can spread it to others.