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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