Impetigo is a bacterial skin infection. Red sores appear on the affected areas when it happens. It can break open and ooze fluid. It can also develop a yellow brown crust. It is seen that this problem may appear at different parts of the body.

This is also one of the most common skin infections seen in children. However, it may also occur in adults. This is an infection which is contagious and so it can spread from one person to another from close contact. If you are sharing towels, clothing, sheets, toys and any other personal items, then it may spread from the infected person to you. If you scratch them and then touch other parts of your body, they may spread to other areas of your body.

Causes of impetigo

What are the causes of this skin infection? Since it is a bacterial infection, it is caused by two kinds of bacteria- strep or Streptococcus and staph or Staphylococcus. If somehow any area of the skin is irritated or injured, these bacteria can enter the body and cause the infection. Any injury caused by other skin problems like exam, insect bites, poison ivy, cuts or burns may also become the entry point for these bacteria. Children are easily infected by the bacteria especially after they have had a cold or allergies due to which the skin under the nose became raw.

However, it is seen that impact the go can also develop in completely healthy skin.

Symptoms

Impetigo infection shows some clear symptoms

If the patient has sores that started as small red spots and then changed to blisters, it may be a sign of impetigo. The sores seen in this case generally break open. They are generally not painful but they can be itchy. They also ooze fluid. They look crusty. The soles also increase in size and number. Sometimes, sores small as pimples and sometimes larger than a coin are seen in case of patients.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of impetigo is easy for doctors. When they look at the skin of the patient, they can easily diagnose this problem. Sometimes the doctor may remove a small piece of a sore and get it examined in a lab to identify the bacteria responsible for the infection. Sometimes, taking blood or urine samples for tests may be necessary.

Treatment of impetigo

Impetigo is treated using antibiotics. If the problem is mild, ointment or cream to be used on the sores may be prescribed by the doctor. If the case is serious, antibiotic prescription medicines may be necessary for treatment of the infection.

In case of children, they can go back to school after 24 hours of treatment. Is that to happen, the child will need to apply the ointment and take the medicines as prescribed. Most of the sores present may heal completely within a week.

When you are at home, it can gently wash them with clean water every day. Sometimes crust may form. If that happens, you should talk to your doctor because the doctor may advise you to soften them or completely removed. When you soak them in warm water and then pat them dry, it becomes easier for you to remove them. After removing them, when you apply the cream or ointment, it will work better and faster. However, do not scratch the sores as they may spread to other areas of your body if you do so. Whenever you touch the affected area, you should wash your hands with soap or hand wash or use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser.

References

1. Fast Impetigo Cure: Incredible Product W/ Amazing Conversions
2. Impetigo
3. Impetigo – school sores