Anyone can get impetigo as it is very contagious, but pre-school and school age children are most likely to contract this superficial skin infection. Impetigo is indicated by red blister like sores that appear on the body, typically on the face around the mouth and nose, neck, arms, legs, and on hands. In small children (infants and toddlers) it also appears in the diaper area. The sores are filled with fluid that will burst and drain leaving behind a honey colored or dark scabby crust, it is important not to pick at the scabs as healing is occurring or scarring may result.
This contagious skin infection is caused by bacterial germs known as Staphylococcus and Streptococcus, bacteria which produces two different types of impetigo:
- Bullous Impetigo – In this form of impetigo the staph bacteria that causes the infection creates a toxin which inhibits the adhesion of the epidermis to the dermis, thus causing a separation of the skin. When this occurs a fluid filled (usually yellow in color) blister is formed, which later will burst and drain leaving a red, raw looking sore with ragged edges. Eventually as the final stages of healing occur the sore will form a dark colored scab as the infection resolves. It is important not to scratch or pick at the scabs during the healing process, or scarring may occur.
- Non-Bullous Impetigo – In non-bullous impetigo both the staph bacteria and the streptococcus bacteria are present and is the most common form of impetigo seen in children (especially) and adults. In non-bullous impetigo the infection first presents itself as small red bumps that sort of look like insect bites. Over the following three to five days the red bumps form blisters that evolve into pustules, these pustules then scab over with the tell tale signature of a honey colored scab. Again it is important not to scratch or pick at these scabs during the infection resolution process to avoid permanent scars.
How is Impetigo Diagnosed?
Typically impetigo is diagnosed by it’s tell tale signature appearance during a physical examination with your health care provider. However, your physician or urgent care center may perform additional evaluation steps, such as culture tests to confirm the impetigo diagnosis and direct the proper treatment plan. Treatment plans may include a regimen such as; antibacterial creams applied topically or specific antibiotics if culture results dictate that oral antibiotics are required to eliminate the bacterium and resolve the infection.What is the Treatment for Impetigo?
Although impetigo is usually not a serious infection of the skin and easily resolved with proper medical attention and treatment, it must be noted that over the last several years staph infections are becoming more resistant to antibiotic treatment and may require bacterial culture tests to determine the specific antibiotic that will be most effective. Furthermore, if clinical culture tests confirm a more serious bacteria is present such as MRSA (Staphylococcus Aureus) special treatment plans may be required that may even include hospitalization. However, most cases of impetigo are easily treated and resolved. Treatment of impetigo may include some or all of the following:- Gentle cleansing of the infected sores, including crust formation removal.
- Oral antibiotics
- Prescription topical antibiotic creams or ointments.
- Bacterial culture testing
- Isolating the infected person during the contagious stages of the infection.
- Infrequently complications of impetigo cases may require hospitalization.
Can I Prevent Getting Impetigo?
The best way to prevent impetigo is understanding how impetigo is contracted and spread, knowledge is the best preventive medicine. Below are some tips on how to prevent getting impetigo:- Avoid contact with an infected person.
- Keep open wounds or scratches clean by washing with antibacterial soap and warm water.
- Frequent proper hand washing.
- Avoid sharing linens, bath towels, wash cloths or clothing with others, particularly an impetigo infected person.
- Getting proper treatment for other skin infections, cuts, or irritations that may lead to making you more susceptible to contracting impetigo.
