Impetigo
Also known
as: bullous impetigo and epidemic impetigo.
What is it?
Impetigo is a
bacterial skin infection that is characterized by scabby,
crusty sores.
Who gets it?
Impetigo most
commonly affects children, but can also appear in adults.
What causes
it?
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.
What are the
symptoms?
The symptoms of
impetigo include itchy, yellow-crusted sores that look
like pimples, often on the hands or face. Bullous impetigo
starts as s small blister, called a vesicle, filled with
yellow fluid. The skin surrounding the blister is red and
itchy, but not sore. The blister eventually scabs over
with a yellow-colored crust. The sores spread easily to
other areas of the patient’s body through contact. Without
treatment, impetigo sores can become infected and the
bacteria that cause it can affect the kidneys, or, less
commonly, the bones, joints, and lungs. Bacteria in the
bloodstream can cause a serious infection called sepsis.
How is it
diagnosed?
Impetigo can be
diagnosed according to its distinct appearance. A doctor
can pinpoint the type of bacteria causing the infection by
taking a sample of fluid from a vesicle.
What is the
treatment?
To treat
impetigo, your doctor will recommend gently washing the
affected areas with mild soap and water. Infection is
treated with topical antibiotics, while oral or
intravenous antibiotics are used for more serious and
widespread infections. Impetigo can be cured completely,
with no lasting effects, if treated promptly.
Self-care tips
If you or
someone you know has impetigo, do not share personal
items, such as toys, towels, or bedding. Do not touch an
affected area, then touch another person or another area
of your body. Do not participate in contact sports until
your skin has cleared.
This information has been designed as a comprehensive and quick reference
guide written by our health care reviewers. The health information written
by our authors is intended to be a supplement to the care provided by your
physician. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for
professional medical advice.
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