Overview
Impetigo is a common and highly contagious skin infection that mainly affects infants and young children. It usually appears as reddish sores on the face, especially around the nose and mouth and on the hands and feet. Over about a week, the sores burst and develop honey-colored crusts. The infection is caused by bacteria, primarily staphylococci organisms, and can spread through contact with affected sores, clothing, bed linen, towels, or toys. Impetigo is more likely to occur in warm, humid weather, and in individuals with broken skin, other skin conditions, or a weakened immune system. Symptoms include reddish sores that rupture, ooze, and form honey-colored crusts. Treatment with antibiotics can limit the spread of impetigo to others. If you suspect impetigo, it is advisable to consult a family doctor, pediatrician, or dermatologist. Impetigo typically doesn't lead to serious complications and can resolve without scarring in most cases. Prevention measures include washing affected areas with mild soap, regularly washing clothes and linens of infected individuals, and keeping skin clean and healthy.
Understanding the disease
Symptoms
The symptoms of impetigo are reddish sores that quickly rupture, ooze for a few days, and then form a honey-colored crust. The sores usually appear around the nose and mouth and on the hands and feet. Itching and soreness are generally mild.
Development
Impetigo develops due to bacterial infection, primarily caused by staphylococci organisms. It can spread through contact with sores of infected individuals or contaminated items, such as clothing, bed linen, towels, and toys. The main symptom of impetigo is reddish sores, which usually appear on the face, hands, and feet. These sores rupture, ooze for a few days, and then develop honey-colored crusts. Impetigo can be contagious until 24 hours after beginning antibiotic treatment.
Assessment and Diagnosis
Triage
You should see a doctor if impetigo is suspected.
Diagnosis
To diagnose impetigo, your doctor may examine the sores on your face or body. Lab tests are generally not needed. If the sores do not clear even with antibiotic treatment, your doctor may take a sample of the liquid produced by a sore and test it to determine the most effective antibiotics. Some bacteria that cause impetigo have become resistant to certain antibiotics.
Management and Treatment
Complications
Potential complications of impetigo may include cellulitis, kidney problems, and scarring. Although impetigo typically isn't dangerous, it can lead to cellulitis, a potentially life-threatening infection that affects the tissues underlying the skin and may spread to the lymph nodes and bloodstream. In rare cases, the bacteria responsible for impetigo can also damage the kidneys. Additionally, the sores associated with ecthyma can leave scars.
Home Remedies
on home remedies specifically for impetigo. However, the document suggests maintaining good hygiene, washing hands thoroughly, and keeping the affected areas clean as preventive measures. If you suspect impetigo, it is recommended to consult with a healthcare professional.
Treatment
The main treatment for impetigo is antibiotic therapy. Antibiotics can help limit the spread of the infection and shorten the duration of symptoms. Topical antibiotics, such as mupirocin or fusidic acid, can be applied directly to the sores, while oral antibiotics like penicillin or azithromycin may be prescribed for more severe cases. It is important to complete the full course of antibiotic treatment as prescribed by a healthcare provider. In addition to medication, keep the affected areas clean and avoid sharing towels, clothing, or other items with others.