Impetigo is a skin infection caused by bacteria. It is most common in children and is contagious. Impetigo forms round, crusted, oozing spots that grow larger day by day. The hands and face are the favorite locations for impetigo, but it often appears on other parts of the body. It is generally caused by one of two bacteria: group A streptococcus or staphylococcus aureus. Impetigo usually affects preschool and school-age children, especially in the summer months.
A child may be more likely to develop impetigo if the skin has already been irritated or injured by other skin problems, such as eczema, poison ivy, insect bites, or a skin allergy to soap or makeup. Presentation of impetigo may take on more than one form. Some authors suggest that differences are due to the staphylococcal strain involved and the relative activity of the exotoxin.
Impetigo starts as a red sore that quickly ruptures, oozes for a few days and then forms a yellowish-brown crust that looks like honey or brown sugar. The disease is highly contagious, and scratching or touching the sores is likely to spread the infection to other parts of the body as well as to other people. Impetigo is seldom serious, and minor infections may clear on their own in two to three weeks. But because impetigo can sometimes lead to complications, your child\'s doctor may choose to treat it with an antibiotic ointment or oral antibiotics. Impetigo occurs equally in males and females. Impetigo occurs more commonly in children. The majority (90) of bullous impetigo cases occur in children younger than 2 years.
Causes of Impetigo
1.Streptococcus pyogenes.
2.Staphylococcus aureus.
Symptoms of Impetigo
1.Fever
2.Diarrhea.
3.Weakness.
4.Rash.
5.Itching.
Treatment of Impetigo
1.Topical or oral antibiotics (Penicillium, or streptomycin ) are usually prescribed.
Treatment may involve washing with soap and water and letting the impetigo dry in the air.
2.Many general practitioners choose to treat impetigo with bactericidal ointment, such as fusidic acid (Fucidin) or mupirocin (Bactroban), but in more severe cases oral antibiotics, such as flucloxacillin (e.g. Floxapen) or erythromycin (e.g. Erythrocin) or Dicloxacillin are necessary.
3.It is very important to remove the scabs before applying ointment, because the bacteria that cause the disease live underneath them.
4.Avoid close contact with others.
5.Use separate towels and flannels.
6.Don\'t share towels or bedding if you have impetigo, and make sure everything is washed at a high temperature after use.
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About the Author
Jerry White writes on Home Remedies and Impetigo Cure and Treatment. Visit All Medical Answers for more skin disorders.
