Impetigo is a skin disorder that is normally characterized by lesions on the skin that crust. This is a fairly common disorder among the population. Impetigo is not dangerous in most cases and is treatable.

Causes of Impetigo

Impetigo can be caused by the Staphylococcus aureus (staph) or group A Streptococci (strep) bacteria. Bullous impetigo is usually caused by the staph bacteria and can occur at any age, while impetigo caused by strep is more likely to appear between the ages of two and five. Impetigo is extremely contagious. It can be spread by direct contact with the infected skin or through contact with an item used by the infected person.

Epidemic impetigo spreads quickly among children and is aided by poor hygiene, overcrowded living conditions, and heat. Staph and strep bacteria can get through the skin’s natural defenses if the skin is broken, such as by a cut, bite, or chickenpox sores.

Symptoms of Impetigo

Skin lesions are the first sign and a characterized by groups of tiny blisters. Eventually the blisters will burst and seep a yellow liquid before forming a crust.
Itching blisters are another common symptom of Impetigo.
In children a single rash point may become visible. This normally spreads as the child scratches the area.
When the disease presents in infants there will be blisters that erupt easily and leave a reddened irritated area beneath.
Lymph nodes being swollen is another common indicator of Impetigo.

Treatment of Impetigo

Self-Care at Home

Clean all sores and bites with antibacterial soap and water. Don't scratch or pick.
The infection is contagious. Other people may contract the infection if you come in contact with them. Use separate wash cloths and hand towels.
Often, the rash and infection will go away on its own, but antibiotics are usually needed to get rid of the infection.
You may apply antibacterial ointment, but wash your hands well after applying it.
If the sores are in areas you shave (men on their face; women on their legs), shave around the sores so you won't spread the infection further.

Medical Treatment

Topical - In some cases, doctors may prescribe an antibiotic that you apply to your child's skin (topical antibiotic), such as mupirocin ointment (Bactroban). Topical antibiotics avoid side effects such as diarrhea that can result from oral medications, but as with oral antibiotics, bacteria can become resistant to them over time.

Oral antibiotics - Your doctor is likely to prescribe an oral antibiotic for ecthyma and severe cases of impetigo contagiosa. The type of antibiotic will depend on the severity of the infection and any other allergies or conditions your child might have. Be sure to finish the entire course of medication even if your child seems better. This helps prevent the infection from recurring and makes antibiotic resistance less likely.

Hygienic measures - Sometimes your doctor may choose to treat minor cases of impetigo with hygienic measures. Keeping your child's skin clean and bacteria-free can help mild infections heal on their own.

Prevention of Impetigo

Keeping your child's skin clean is the best way to keep it healthy. Treat cuts, scrapes, insect bites and other wounds right away to prevent infection. If someone in your family already has impetigo, follow these measures to help keep the infection.

Gently wash the affected areas with mild soap and running water and then cover lightly with gauze. Regular use of antibacterial soaps may not be effective and can create antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
Wash an infected child's clothes, linens and towels every day and don't share them with anyone else in your family.
Wear gloves when applying any antibiotic ointment and wash your hands thoroughly afterward.
Cut an infected child's nails short to prevent scratching.
Encourage your child to wash his or her hands frequently.
Keep your child home until your doctor says he or she isn't contagious.

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