Impetigo
Impetigo, one of the most common skin infections in children, usually produces blisters or sores on the face, neck, hands,
and diaper area.
This infectious superficial infections of the skin is typically one of the two bacteria: Staphylococcus aureus, or
Streptococcus pyogenes (also called group A streptococcus, which also causes strep throat). Methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is also becoming an important cause of impetigo.
Impetigo usually affects preschool and school children. A child may be more likely to develop impetigo if the skin
was already of other skin problems such as eczema, poison ivy, insect bites, and cuts or scratches due to annoyed
minor injuries.
Good hygiene can help impetigo, which often develops when there is a wound or a rash scratched,
repeated (eg, poison ivy can get infected and turn into impetigo).
Doctors can usually diagnose impetigo based on the appearance of the rash. Occasionally, they may need to take a sample
fluid from bubbles. Impetigo is usually taken either treated with an antibiotic ointment or medication by mouth.
Signs and symptoms
Impetigo skin can affect anywhere on the body but commonly occurs around the nose and mouth, hands and forearms, and
Infants, the diaper area.
The two types of impetigo are bullous impetigo (large blisters) and non-bullous impetigo (crusted) impetigo. The non-
bullous or crusted form is most common. It is usually caused by S. aureus, but can also be caused by infection with group A
Streptococci. Non-bullous begins as tiny blisters that eventually burst and leave small wet spots on the skin, the red
Liquid can cry. Gradually covers a tan or yellowish-brown crust of the affected area, so that it is as it was
coated with honey or brown sugar.
Bullous impetigo is almost always caused by S. aureus toxins that trigger the formation of larger deduction causes fluid
with blisters that is clear, then appear cloudy. These bubbles tend to be longer on the skin without
burst.
Contagiousness
Impetigo may itch and kids can the infection by scratching and then touching other parts of the body has spread.
Impetigo is contagious and can for all that spread in contact with infected skin or other items, such
Clothing, towels and sheets that have been touched by infected skin.
Treatment
If it affects only a small area of skin (and especially if it is used in the congenital form), impetigo can usually
treated with antibiotic ointment. But if the infection has spread to other areas of the body, or the ointment is not
works, the doctor may be an antibiotic pill or liquid that usually taken for 7-10 days.
After antibiotic treatment begins, healing should start within a few days. It is important to ensure that your child
takes the medication as the doctor has prescribed. Otherwise, to develop a deeper and more serious skin infection.
While the infection heals, gently wash the areas of infected skin with clean gauze and antiseptic soap every day.
Soak all areas of crusted skin in warm, soapy water to help the layers of the crust (it is not necessary to completely
remove all of it).
To keep your child from spreading impetigo to other parts of the body, the doctor or nurse will probably recommend
Cover infected skin with gauze and tape or a loose plastic bandage. Keep your child's fingernails short and
clean.
Prevention
Good hygiene practices, such as regular hand washing can prevent impetigo. Children have to be cleaned with soap and water
their skin and be sure they take baths or showers regularly. Pay special attention to areas of skin that have
injured, such as cuts, abrasions, insect bites, areas of eczema and rashes such as poison ivy. Keep these areas clean and
covered.
Who in your family with impetigo should fingernails cut short and the impetigo sores covered with gauze and tape.
Prevent impetigo infection spread among family members with antibacterial soap and make sure that each
Family member is a separate towel. If necessary, substitute paper towels for cloth ones until the impetigo is gone.
Separate the infected person Bed linen, towels and clothing from those of other family members, and wash these items
in hot water. And keep clean the surfaces of your kitchen and home.
When to call the doctor
Call the doctor if your child especially if he or she has been exposed to a family member or signs of impetigo,
Classmate with the infection. If your child is already being treated for impetigo, keep an eye on the wounds and call the
Doctor if the skin does not start after 3 days of treatment or if a fever develops heal. If the area around the rash
becomes red, warm, or tender to the touch, notify the doctor as soon as possible.