Impetigo is a highly contagious skin infection. It is caused by bacteria.
Impetigo is caused by one or both of the following types of bacteria:
These bacteria are normally found on the skin and in the nose. When small cuts, scratches, or insect bites occur, these bacteria can get under the skin. There they can cause infection. Impetigo is often spread from person to person.
Factors that increase your chance for impetigo include:
Symptoms of impetigo appear 4-10 days after exposure.
Symptoms may include:
Normally, impetigo is a fairly mild condition. However, if left untreated, further problems could develop. This can include pain, swelling, spread of infection, discharge of pus, or fever. In rare cases, people whose impetigo is caused by Group A Streptococcus may develop:
The doctor will examine your skin lesions. Your doctor will also ask about your symptoms and medical history. Initial diagnosis is based on the appearance of your skin lesions.
If you have impetigo, a culture of the skin lesion may be done. This will show what specific bacteria are involved.
The goals of treatment are to relieve the symptoms and cure the infection.
Treatment may include:
For a mild infection:
Your doctor may prescribe oral antibiotics, such as:
In some cases, staphylococcal infections (eg, MRSA ) may be resistant to these antibiotics. Others options may be needed.
Do not touch or scratch the lesions. The skin should be washed several times a day. Use soap and water or an antibiotic soap. The crusts may be removed by soaking the infected area in warm water for about 15 minutes. Lesions should be covered loosely with gauze, a bandage, or clothing.
To help avoid spreading the infection:
Prevention of impetigo involves good personal hygiene. The following tips can help:
RESOURCES:
American Academy of Dermatology
http://www.aad.org/
Kid's Health for Parents (Nemours Foundation)
http://www.kidshealth.org/
CANADIAN RESOURCES
Canadian Dermatology Association
http://www.dermatology.ca/
Dermatologists.ca
http://www.dermatologists.ca/
References:
American Osteopathic Association website. Available at: http://www.osteopathic.org/ .
Koning S, van der Wouden JC, Chosidow O, Twynholm M, Singh KP, Scangarella N, Oranje AP. Efficacy and safety of retapamulin ointment as treatment of impetigo: randomized double-blind multicentre placebo-controlled trial. Br J Dermatol . 2008;158(5):1077-82.
Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene website. Available at: http://www.dhmh.state.md.us/ .
Nebraska Health and Human Services System website. Available at: http://www.hhs.state.ne.us/ .
Last reviewed January 2009 by Ross Zeltser, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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