Impetigo

Impetigo is a bacterial skin infection caused by staphylococci or streptococci.  It begins with the appearance of small red spots, which quickly become filled with pus, then rupture and ooze, forming honey-colored crusts.  Impetigo usually develops around the nose and mouth, but it may also be found on ears, hands and other parts of the body.  Although impetigo may be contracted at any age, children are more susceptible than adults.

The bacteria that cause impetigo normally exist on the skin.  Healthy skin acts as a barrier keeping out these germs.  When the outer layer of skin is damaged by insect bites, cuts, bruises or weakened by disease, the skin's resistance is lowered and bacteria have a pathway to enter skin tissue.  The result: an unsightly, uncomfortable infection.

Impetigo is highly contagious.  It spreads very easily to other parts of the body and other people.  Fingers, towels, clothing and household utensils are some of the ways the bacteria are passed from one person to another.

Children can get impetigo from other children or adults.  Unless controlled, impetigo can become a serious problem leading to other disorders, including kidney infection.

Impetigo first appears as discolored spots.  Then small blisters form and quickly break, spreading germ-laden fluid to surrounding areas.  The weeping lesions rapidly form yellow, honey-colored crusts or scabs; the tissue around them may be red.  The germs or bacteria thrive in the moist environment under the crusts, and treatment of the infection requires frequent removal of the crusts and the application of antibacterial medication directly to the infected areas.

A child with exposed lesions will be sent home from school until they have been on antibiotic treatment for 24 hours.

TREATMENT:

  1. Gently remove all crusts with soap and water,  Do at least 3 times daily.  It is essential to remove the crust.

2.  Follow each cleaning with ointment prescribed by your doctor.  This is an antibiotic ointment.

3.   Fingernails should be trimmed, and the hands washed often to avoid scratching and spreading the infection.

4.   The patient should use only his/her own washcloth, towel or bed linen.  The patient should not share clothing unless it has been laundered before use by a second person.

5.   Continue to use ointment for 3 days after the impetigo has healed.