A common and highly contagious skin infection, impetigo affects infants and young children most often. The infection is caused by bacteria that enter the body through cuts, scrapes, or insect bites. The red sores or blisters that form impetigo can ooze and form a yellowish-brown crust when they form. Touch, clothing, and towels may spread impetigo to other parts of the body. Even unbroken or punctured skin can be infected.
In addition to causing impetigo in warm, humid weather, impetigo is more common in crowded environments, such as schools and child care centers. As well as sports involving skin-to-skin contact, impetigo can also be treated with antibiotics, which can prevent infection spreading and promote healing. If left untreated, impetigo can cause complications, including cellulitis, kidney problems, and permanent scarring.
There are three main types of impetigo: non-bullous, bullous, and ecthyma.
Non-bullous Impetigo: The most common type of impetigo is non-bullous impetigo. The symptoms begin as small red spots that gradually become larger and more numerous. They develop into sores or blisters, which rupture and ooze. When the sore ruptures, it becomes a honey-colored crust that covers the raw skin underneath. Generally, the sores appear on the face, especially around the nose and mouth, but can also occur on the hands and feet. Itching and soreness may occur, but it is generally not painful. The infection usually lasts for about a week, and the skin heals without leaving any scars.
Bullous Impetigo: There are several types of impetigo, but bullous impetigo is the least common. It causes large blisters filled with clear fluid. It may appear on the trunk, arms, legs, or diaper area of a child. There is no redness around the blisters, but they may become limp and cloudy over time. The blisters then break up, forming crusty sores on the skin. The infection can last several weeks, but the skin heals without scarring.
Ecthyma: It is a severe form of impetigo that affects deeper layers of the skin. It causes painful fluid- or pus-filled sores that turn into deep ulcers with thick crusts and redness around them. Symptoms include fever, swollen glands, and scabs on the scalp. The ulcers may occur anywhere on the body, but they are more common on the legs and feet. Scars may form as a result of the infection, which could last for several months.
A doctor or dermatologist can diagnose impetigo by examining the sores and asking about the patient's medical history. The doctor may also ask about exposure to other impetigo sufferers. In some cases, the doctor may take a swab sample from the fluid or pus from the sores to test for the type of bacteria causing the infection. The antibiotic treatment for impetigo will then be recommended based on this test.
The bacteria that cause impetigo can be killed with antibiotics. There are several ways to administer antibiotics, either by applying creams or ointments directly to the skin (topical antibiotics) or by taking pills or liquids (oral antibiotics). The type and duration of antibiotic treatment depends on the severity and extent of impetigo.
There are a number of topical antibiotics available for mild non-bullous impetigo cases that affect a small area of the skin, including mupirocin and retapamulin. Until the infection clears up, use these creams or ointments as directed by your doctor on clean and dry skin after gently removing any crusts from the sores.
When impetigo is more severe or involves bullous or ecthyma types of impetigo, oral antibiotics are usually prescribed. There are several oral antibiotics available, including cefotaxime and amoxicillin. These pills and liquids should be taken as prescribed until the course is completed. For quicker and better results, oral antibiotics can also be used in conjunction with topical antibiotics.
Impetigo can be prevented by following good hygiene practices, such as:
Washing hands frequently with soap and water.
Keeping nails short and clean.
Avoiding scratching or touching infected sores.
Cleaning any cuts, insect bites, or wounds with water and antiseptic.
Covering any open sores with bandages or gauze.
Changing bandages or gauze regularly.
Washing clothes, towels, bedding, and toys that have been in contact with infected sores in hot water and detergent.
Avoiding sharing personal items, such as clothing, towels, toys, or cosmetics, with others.
Keeping children with impetigo away from school or day care until they are no longer contagious, which is usually 24 hours after starting antibiotic treatment.
Almost anyone can be affected by impetigo, but children are more likely to develop it. Impetigo is a common and contagious skin infection that causes red sores or blisters on the skin that can ooze and crust over. Treatment for impetigo includes antibiotics, which stop the infection and prevent complications. Maintaining good hygiene and avoiding contact with infected people and objects can prevent impetigo. You should see a doctor as soon as possible if you or your child has impetigo.
