Impetigo is a transmittable skin infection caused by bacteria that affects mostly children. The condition involves the formation of red sores with blisters that occur on areas surrounding the mouth and nose, and even in the legs and arms. Take note that these the sores will eventually drain and form a crust.
Symptoms
- Look for signs of impetigo contagiousa which is caused by both staphylococcus and streptococcus bacteria. It appears as small, red-colored papule that can be found around the areas of the mouth or the nose. The papule will increase in size but still flattened and drains out quickly and releases a yellowish fluid or pus and dries up and becomes a honey-colored crust that covers the affected areas.
- Bullous impetigo is a type of impetigo caused by staphycoccus bacteria which infects the skin and forms a blister that is filled with fluid and penetrates the deeper part of the epidermis. This kind of impetigo is found around the areas in the legs, arms, trunks and the buttocks. Children less than 2 years of age are susceptible to this infection.
- Ecthyma is the most severe type of impetigo which occurs when infections caused by the blisters that form on the epidermis penetrate the dermis which is the deeper part of the skin. Areas that ecthyma affect include the ankles, legs, thighs, feet and buttocks.
Streptococcus is the bacteria that cause impetigo. They thrive in wounds, in the throat, mouth, in the respiratory tract and the bloodstream, and sometimes the bacteria can become airborne. These bacteria can live on surfaces for hours and even for days. The lifespan of these bacteria outside of the body is 48 hours.
Treatment and home remedies
- Avoid scratching the blisters since will cause the spread of the bacteria to other parts of the body and to other people. You can learn more about infection control by enrolling in a first aid course
- Keep the fingernails short in order to avoid scratching of the blisters.
- Wash the infected areas with antibacterial soap for several times in a day and cover the infected area loosely with gauze.
- Avoid sharing personal belongings such as towels, clothing or razors with any individual suspected of having the infection.
- Keep the personal belongings of family members who are infected separately.
- Change clothing every day and washing them in hot water.
- Avoid touching people while their sores are still draining.
- Apply an-over-the-counter antibiotic ointment and remove crusted infected areas by soaking them.
Prevention of impetigo
Wash hands as often as possible with an antibacterial soap, taking a bath daily and using clean towels and wash cloths.
Keep the infected child at home for 24 hours at the start of the antibiotic treatment or while the sores are still draining. Do not forget to keep the fingernails short and clean.