Impetigo, contagious skin infection: causes, treatment and prevention (2023)

general description

What is impetigo?

Impetigo (pronounced "im-peh-TIE-go") is an itchy and sometimes painful skin infection. If your child cuts, bites, or scratches the skin, bacteria can get in and abacterial infection. But impetigo can infect the skin even if it is not broken or punctured.

Impetigo is more common in the warmer months when children are out and about. Usually the first signs of impetigowoundsYBlowinto your child's mouth and nose. It can also appear on your child's scalp, hairline, legs, and arms.

types of impetigo

There are a few different types of impetigo including non-bullous, bullous and ecthyma.

non-bullous impetigo

Impetigo is not bullous in its early stages. It is the most common type. Early stages of non-bullous impetigo include:

1. Development of one or more itchy sores that burst quickly.
2. Red or sore skin where the sores have opened.
3. inflamed glandsclose to the wounds.
4. Honey-colored scabs form over the sores, but the skin eventually heals withoutscars.

ampoulosous impetigo

Bullous impetigo is a rarer type of skin infection. It is more common in babies. More than 90% of cases of bullous impetigo affect children under 2 years of age. Stages of this type include:

1. Large, fluid-filled blisters form on your child's skin, but there is no redness around the surrounding skin.
2. Blisters become clear and soft and then burst.
3. Your child's skin forms scabs and his skin heals without scarring.

ectima

Untreated impetigo can turn into ecthyma. Ecthyma is a more serious type of skin infection. Delve deeper into your child's lifealto. Phases typically include:

1. Painful blisters form on your child's skin, turning into deep, open sores.
2. Thick scabs form on your child's skin, and redness often appears near the surrounding skin.
3. After your child's skin heals, scars may form as the infection has penetrated deeper into the skin.

How common is impetigo?

Impetigo is the most common skin infection in children between 2 and 5 years old. Older children can get it too. Represents about 10%skin diseases in children.

Can adults get impetigo?

Yes, impetigo can affect adults. In adults, the condition can appear after another skin problem. It sometimes develops after you've had a cold or another virus. You may be at greater risk if:

• It lives in a tropical climate with hot, humid summers and mild winters.
• Have onesarnaInfection.
• Participate in skin contact sports where cuts and abrasions are common.
• Live in close contact with others. Infections are common among people who live in the same household.

Impetigo vs. herpes genital

I impede youherpes labialare common skin infections that can cause blisters. Cold sores usually appear around the mouth and are formed by small blisters. Impetigo can form around the mouth, but it can also appear on other parts of the face and body. It causes bigger blisters. A bacteria causes impetigo, while cold sores are a symptom of it.Herpes simples virus (HSV).

Impetigo versus eczema lacrimejante

I impede youchoro de eczemaare both common skin conditions. Impetigo is a type of skin infection, while eczema is a type ofDermatitis. Impetigo causes sores and blisters with honey-colored crusts. Sometimes exudative eczema causes blisters of clear or straw-colored fluid. The blisters may be purple or red, and the fluid may ooze or "cry".

symptoms and causes

When do impetigo symptoms start?

Symptoms of impetigo usually develop within three days of the bacteria infecting your child's skin. Impetigo on the face starts around the mouth and nose. But impetigo can also occur on the scalp or along the hairline.

How is impetigo?

Impetigo includes blisters, rashes and other skin sores (lesions). The condition includes the following characteristics:

• Impetigo blisters can fill with pus and burst easily. The fluid may be yellow or brown and will leak out and form a crust.
• Impetigoskin irritationit can spread and cause redness and pain in the skin.
• skin lesionsIt may appear on your child's lips, nose, ears, arms and legs. Lesions can spread to other parts of the body.
• Swollen lymph nodes can develop near the infected area.

If you or your child suffer from impetigo caused bystaphylococcusbacteria, you may notice:

• Reddened skin around red, fluid- or pus-filled blisters that eventually appear cloudy.
• Blisters that burst and leak easily.
• Rough, shiny patches covered with a yellowish-brown crust.

What causes impetigo?

The causes of impetigo are specific types of impetigobacteriathat lead to infection. Some of the most common impetigo bacteria include:

• staphylococcus aureus(S aureusoder „staph“): S aureuscauses 80% of cases of non-bullous impetigo.
• group A strep("Streptococcus"): group A strepcauses 10% of non-bullous cases.

The bacteria usually gets on your child's skin through a cut, scrape, rash, or insect bite. After entering your child's body, the bacteria continues to grow on their skin. This can lead to thisinflammationand infections in the upper layers of your child's skin.

Your child may also get impetigo if they scratch something that itches on their skin, such as achickenpoxoeczema. When itchy, they break the skin and bacteria can easily get in.

Impetigo can also occur without a skin lesion. Rather, it may occur after you've experienced another skin condition, such as:

• lice.
• Sarna.
• eczema.

Adults can also be affected by health conditions such as B. Getting impetigotattoo infections.

Can stress cause impetigo in adults?

No, stress does not cause impetigo. However, stress can make you weak.immunity system. With a weakened immune system, it's easier for bacteria to infect you and harder for your body to fight them off.

Is impetigo contagious?

Impetigo is highly contagious. Most people get it through direct skin contact. You can get impetigo if you come into contact with sores, mucus, or a runny nose from someone who has it. Children and athletes, such as soccer players and wrestlers, often take it this way.

People can also spread impetigo by sharing items such as towels, clothing, or other personal items with an infected person.

How long is impetigo contagious?

Without treatment, impetigo can be contagious for weeks. Once you start treatment for impetigo, the condition is contagious until:

• The rash disappears.
• crust cai.
• You've finished at least two days of antibiotics.

What are the complications of impetigo?

Complications are rare. Certain strains of strep bacteria that cause impetigo can also cause it.glomerulonephritis. This inflammatory kidney disease can lead to high blood pressure and blood in the urine (hematuria). Other complications of impetigo can include:

• The rash extends to the deeper layers of the skin.
• The bacterial infection spreads to other parts of the body.
• Permanent damage and/or scarring of the skin.

diagnosis and tests

How is impetigo diagnosed?

A doctor will diagnose impetigo based on the appearance of your child's sores. you can take a skinculturalsend to a laboratory. This will help your doctor determine the right antibiotic for your child.

management and treatment

How is impetigo treated?

Impetigo treatment includesantibiotics. A provider may prescribe topical antibiotics that are applied directly to your child's skin. Treatments for impetigo may also include an oral antibiotic (a liquid or pill taken by mouth) if the impetigo covers a large area of ​​your child's skin or multiple parts of the body.

Medications for impetigo may include:

• Realin pyrocine(Bactroban® or Centany®) Salt.
• Oral Antibiotica know ofcephalosporins,clindamycin(Cleocin®) esulfamethoxazole(Bactrim™).

How to get rid of impetigo in 24 hours

Impetigo doesn't go away for everyone in 24 hours. However, some studies have shown that the condition goes away faster if you use an antibiotic cream. Sellers recommend these creams to quickly relieve symptoms and stop the infection from spreading. Therefore, the sooner you start treatment, the better.

What impetigo treatments are available over the counter?

You need prescription antibiotics to treat most forms of impetigo. For minor skin infections that haven't spread, you can try treating the area with an over-the-counter (OTC) antibiotic cream or ointment that containsbacitracina. Then place a nonstick bandage over the area to prevent the infection from spreading.

Taking care of your child's skin can help clear an impetigo infection more quickly. Some of the skin care measures you can take to quickly get rid of an impetigo infection include:

• Scrub infected skin with warm soapy water to gently remove scabs.
• Use the prescribed antibiotic as recommended by your doctor.
• Place a bandage over the infected area. This promotes healing and prevents the infection from spreading.

Does impetigo go away on its own?

Impetigo can go away on its own in a few weeks. Still, health professionals recommend the treatment for several reasons:

• You reduce the risk of developing complications.
• It reduces the risk of spreading the infection to others.
• Without treatment, the infection can penetrate deeper into the skin, possibly causing new sores or blisters to develop.

prevention

Can I prevent impetigo?

The best ways to prevent infection are:

• Keep your hands clean:Wash your hands regularly. Use an alcohol-based disinfectant if you don't have soap and water.
• Practice good hygiene:Trim your nails (and your child's) regularly to prevent scratching. Sneeze into a tissue and/or the crook of your arm and throw the tissue away. Bathe daily (or as often as possible), especially if you or your child has eczema or sensitive skin.
• Avoid scratches:Do not scrape cuts or wounds. If your child cuts, scratches, or bruises himself, make sure he doesn't scratch himself.
• Clean wounds:Clean cuts, scrapes and bruises with soap and water. Then apply an antibiotic cream or ointment to the wound.
• Keep bedding clean:Wash underwear, towels, and bedding in hot water.

Outlook / Forecast

What is the prognosis for someone who gets impetigo?

Antibiotics can treat impetigo, but the condition can come back, especially in young children. Children are particularly prone to scratching and picking at scabs, putting them at greater risk for reinfection. However, most children recover without complications after treatment.

How long does impetigo last?

With treatment, your child is usually not contagious after 48 hours. The sores may take some time to heal completely, but the infection rarely leaves scars.

Without treatment, impetigo may resolve on its own within a few weeks. But there is a higher risk of developing complications and you may see new sores and blisters.

How long does impetigo live on surfaces?

The bacteria that cause impetigo can survive on dry surfaces for weeks or even months.

When can I go back to work/school?

Impetigo is very contagious. Your child should not be at school for 48 hours after starting antibiotics. Adults don't have to stay home from work, but they should avoid contact with others and keep sores and blisters covered.

live with

How can I take care of myself if I have impetigo?

If your doctor has diagnosed you or your child with impetigo, these treatment tips may help:

• Keep wounds covered:Dress wounds or wear long sleeves and pants.
• Take all medications:Use your antibiotics for as long as your doctor has prescribed them to prevent reinfection.
• Stay clean:Gently wash your skin with an antibacterial soap several times a day. This will remove scabs and drainage.
• Avoid touching the rash:If you touch it, wash your hands and the exposed area with soap and water.
• Isolate children:If your child has impetigo, keep them away from other children for at least the first 48 hours of treatment. They must not go to school or kindergarten.
• Avoid hot tubs and swimming pools:The rash can spread if other people come into contact with your child's skin, bathing suit, or towel.

A note from the Cleveland Clinic

Impetigo is a common skin condition that usually affects young children. Impetigo is highly contagious, so keep your child home until he has been on antibiotics for at least two days. The medicine will clear the rash. To prevent impetigo, practice good hygiene. Clean and cover any cuts or scrapes to prevent infection.