Skin Disorders and Treatment

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Impetigo

Impetigo is a bacterial skin infection. Usually the cause is staphylococcal (staph) but sometimes streptococcus (strep) can cause it, too. It is most common in children between the ages of two and six. It usually starts when bacteria get into a break in the skin, such as a cut, scratch or insect bite. It causes red sores that can break open, ooze fluid, and develop a yellow-brown crust. These sores can occur anywhere on the body but most often appear around the mouth and nose. Impetigo is one of the most common skin infections in children. It can occur in adults but is seen far more often in children. Impetigo is contagious and can be spread to others through close contact or by sharing towels, sheets, clothing, toys, or other items. Scratching can also spread the sores to other parts of the body. Impetigo is seldom serious, and minor infections may clear on their own in two to three weeks. But because impetigo can sometimes lead to complications, your child's doctor may choose to treat it with an antibiotic ointment or oral antibiotics. Your child can usually return to school or a child care setting as soon as he or she isn't contagious often within 24 hours of starting antibiotic therapy. You can help prevent the infection by taking good care of your child's skin. Use soap and water when bathing your child, and pay special attention to cuts, rashes, insect bites and allergic reactions. If anyone in your family does develop impetigo, a few simple measures can help keep the infection from spreading .

Impetigo is an infection of the skin caused primarily by the bacterium Streptococcus pyogenes , also known as Group A beta-hemolytic streptococci (GABS). It is often called school sores because it most often affects children. It is quite contagious. Anyone can catch by impetigo. Although most cases are in children, adults can catch impetigo. It is most common in crowded settings, such as nurseries. It often starts at the site of a minor skin injury such as a graze, an insect bite, or scratched eczema. Good hygiene can help prevent impetigo, which often develops when there is a sore or a rash that has been scratched repetitively (for example, poison ivy can get infected and turn into impetigo). Impetigo is typically treated with antibiotics.

Causes of Impetigo

Common Causes of Impetigo :

• The main root cause of Impetigo is a bacterial infection with Staphylococci and Streptococci bacterium. Both types of bacteria - Staphylococci or Streptococci can live harmlessly on your skin until they enter through a cut or other wound and cause an infection.
• Poor hygiene, anemia , and malnutrition are also common causes of Impetigo.
• Warm, moist weather.
• Recent illness that has lowered resistance.
• Impetigo can complicate chicken pox, eczema, or other skin conditions marked by open lesions.
• In adults, impetigo is usually the result of injury to the skin.
• Fair complexion.

Symptoms of Impetigo

Some common Symptoms of Impetigo :

• Itching blister.
• Skin lesion on the arms.
• Rash.
• Lymphadenopathy.
• Small red macule.
• Skin lesion on lips.
• Slight fever (sometimes).

Treatment of Impetigo

• The oral antibiotic for ecthyma and severe cases of impetigo contagiosa may be prescribed by the doctor in a some chronic cases of impetigo.
• Topical steroids may be used to reduce the inflammation caused by impetigo. A mild steroid or moderate steroid may be used.
• Wash the skin several times a day, preferably with an antibacterial soap, to remove crusts and drainage.
• Dicloxacillin should be given as an initial treatment for impetigo because erythromycin-resistant strains of S aureus are prevalent at that time.
• Moisturizers may be needed to treat any dry skin and also helps to relieve the tenderness and pain that is usually caused by impetigo.
• Stops Impetigo in 48 hours or less. It is safe for children and adults.
• The antibiotic such as mupirocin ointment (Bactroban) is good for curing impetigo fast. Topical antibiotics avoid side effects such as diarrhea that can result from oral medications.
• Sometimes your doctor may choose to treat minor cases of impetigo with hygienic measures. Keeping your child's skin clean and bacteria-free can help mild infections heal on their own.

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