Impetigo is one of the most common and contagious skin infections in school-age children, often appearing as sores or blisters on the face, hands, neck, and diaper area. This condition occurs especially when the child has other skin problems such as eczema, hives, or minor cuts and scratches. The leading cause is Staphylococcus aureus, also known as group A streptococci. Generally, just by looking at the A rash can be diagnosed. However, other times it will be necessary to remove a sample of the fluid that comes out of the blister. At FastlyHealwe, explain how it spreads, the symptoms, and the treatment for Impetigo.
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Impetigo contagion
Impetigo is spread by coming into contact with infected skin or by using an object that has been in contact with it. Many bacteria live on our skin; when it receives some damage, the bacteria can multiply, causing infection; these breaks in the skin can be caused by insect bites or stings. Impetigo is not common in adults. However, it can appear after flu-like processes.
Symptoms of Impetigo
The most common places where Impetigo can appear are on the nose, mouth, forearms, hands, and in babies, in the diaper area. These blisters can present in two forms; the first is bullous Impetigo, which is large blisters or ulcers, and non-bullous Impetigo, which appears in the form of a crust and is the most common. The symptoms of Impetigo are:
- Itchy blisters.
- Several blisters may be filled with pus.
- Reddish appearance, as if it were raw.
- Rashes that spread to other areas due to scratching.
- Swollen glands.
- Injuries to the face, arms, and lips.
Treatment for Impetigo
The treatment of Impetigo is intended to eliminate the infection and relieve symptoms. Your doctor will recommend an antibiotic cream; if the disease has spread, it will be necessary to prescribe antibiotics in tablets or syrup. This treatment will take effect within a few days, and the Impetigo will be eliminated. As indicated by the doctor, it is necessary to carry out the medication since a more severe infection could develop. It is also advisable to cover the areas that have been affected by Impetigo with gauze to prevent it from spreading. It would help if you also washed the site where the rash is located daily with clean gauze and antiseptic soap.
Prevent Impetigo
Some hygiene measures can help you prevent Impetigo or prevent it from spreading:
- Keep your child’s nails short and clean.
- Do not share personal hygiene items or products.
- Avoid touching the blisters.
- Wash children’s scrapes well to prevent Impetigo from appearing.
- Use an antibacterial soap.
- Wash the bedding, towels, etc., of the infected person separately.
When to contact the doctor
It would help if you saw a doctor at the first symptoms of Impetigo, especially to start treatment on time and prevent the infection from spreading to other parts of the body or family members. Before the following symptoms, it is necessary to see a doctor immediately:
- If the condition does not improve within three days of starting treatment.
- The child has a fever.
- If the rash is hot to the touch or red.
This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.
If you want to read more articles similar to Impetigo: contagion, symptoms and treatment , we recommend that you enter our Skin, hair and nails category .
I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.