Know the basics
What is impetigo?
Impetigo is highly contagious skin infection that causes sore to appear on your skin. The sore appears red and can happens anywhere on your body. In some cases, they are more common especially around nose and mouth, and on hands and feet. Once they break open, they leak fluid and then develop a yellow-brown crust.
How common is impetigo?
Impetigo is one of the most common skin infections in children, especially for those who are 2-5 years old. Impetigo occurs more rarely in adults, usually following another skin condition or an infection and more common in men. Please discuss with your doctor for further information.
Know the symptoms
What are the symptoms of impetigo?
The common signs and symptoms of impetigo are:
- Red sores and blisters that quickly rupture, ooze for a few days and then form a yellowish-brown crust over;
- The skin sores around the nose, mouth or other areas;
- Itching and soreness;
- In severe cases, painful fluid or sores turn into deep ulcers;
- Swollen lymph nodes near the infection.
There may be some signs or symptoms not listed above. If you have any concerns about a symptom, please consult your doctor.
When should I see my doctor?
If you have any signs or symptoms listed above or have any questions, please consult with your doctor. Everyone’s body acts differently. It is always best to discuss with your doctor what is best for your situation.
Know the causes
What causes impetigo?
Bacteria is one of the causes of impetigo. You can get bacterial infection when you are exposed through contacting with the sores or contaminated fluids from blisters of the infectious person.
One of two kinds of bacteria that are responsible for causing impetigo is bacteria-strep (streptococcus) or staph (staphylococcus). The bacteria come into the body if your skin is injured and opened, even by invisible skin break, due to skin problems such as eczema, poison ivy, insect bites, burns, or cuts.
After having a cold or allergies that have made the skin under the nose raw, children can develop impetigo. In some cases, impetigo can still occur in completely healthy skin.
Know the risk factors
What increases my risk for impetigo?
There are many risk factors for impetigo, such as:
- Children ages 2 to 5 is at the highest risk of impetigo;
- These make the disease more easily to pass from person to person, such as in schools and child care settings;
- Warm, humid weather. This type of weather is the best condition for bacteria develops and spreads. Thus, in summer, you are at higher risk of getting impetigo;
- Broken skin. The bacteria can invade your body through skin’s small skin injury or even just invisible open areas.
Understand the diagnosis & treatment
The information provided is not a substitute for any medical advice. ALWAYS consult with your doctor for more information.
How is impetigo diagnosed?
Your doctor usually diagnoses impetigo by looking at the distinctive sores.
In case your condition do not getting better, a sample of the liquid produced by a sore needs to be tested to see what types of antibiotics might work best on it. Some types of the bacteria that cause impetigo have become resistant to certain antibiotic drugs. Therefore, it is necessary to take sample to prevent such reaction.
If you or your child shows other signs of illness, you can be required to take blood or urine tests.
How is impetigo treated?
You can treat your impetigo by using an antibiotic ointment or cream that you apply directly to the infected areas. In some cases, you might need to eliminate the scabs by soaking the affected area in warm water or applying wet compresses. Once the scabs are removed, the antibiotic can penetrate the skin well.
You can have antibiotic drugs that can be taken by mouth when you have lots of impetigo sores that you can’t use antibiotic ointment or cream on. It is important that you must follow the entire course of medication even if the sores are healed. If you stop using due to seeing everything is fine, you can have recurrence and antibiotic can develop resistance.
Lifestyle changes & home remedies
What are some lifestyle changes or home remedies that can help me manage impetigo?
The following lifestyles and home remedies might help you cope with impetigo:
- Keeping skin clean. You can do this by washing cuts, scrapes, insect bites and other wounds right away.
- Wash an infected person’s clothes, linens and towels every day and don’t share them with anyone else in your family.
- Cut an infected child’s nails short to prevent damage from scratching.
If you have any questions, please consult with your doctor to better understand the best solution for you.
Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
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