|
 "Is
it impetigo?" This is a common question I am often asked by
concerned parents. Impetigo is not always easy to identify, but
once it is diagnosed, it can be effectively treated, and proper
hygiene can limit the spread of this very contagious disease.
What
is impetigo?
Impetigo,
also known as pyoderma, is a superficial skin infection commonly
seen in young children. It can be seen in adults as well, especially
if they have other skin problems. Think of impetigo as infected
sores.
|
Impetigo |
| An
acute contagious staphylococcal or streptococcal skin
disease characterized by vesicles, pustules, and yellowish
crusts. |
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Bacteria
can cause an infection through a break in the skin, a cut, or an
insect bite. Summertime is notorious for impetigo due to the prevalence
of insect bites. Streptococcus and staphylococcus bacteria are often
the typical culprits in impetigo.
Once
the sore has formed, blistering occurs in a few days, followed by
some oozing discharge, and eventually a yellowish-brown sticky crust
covers over the sore. The wound will usually increase in size, indicating
a skin infection is present. Pus may also form around the blister.
Don't
scratch!
Impetigo
usually occurs in the face, often near the mouth or nose, but can
occur in other parts of the body. Once impetigo starts, it can spread
easily and is quite contagious. Multiple yellowish-brown lesions
can form quickly near the initial wound. The key to preventing the
spread is to avoid scratching the wound, which can be a near to
impossible task with young children.
How
is it treated?
Your
doctor will probably prescribe oral antibiotics (taken for 7 to
10 days) to take care of the problem. Erythromycin and cephalexin
are common choices. If the diagnosis is in doubt, your doctor may
get a sample of the wound for culture.
In
mild cases of impetigo application of a topical antibiotic ointment
such as mupirocin may suffice. These topical antibiotics have difficulty
penetrating the skin if scabs are present, so the scabs will need
to be removed before treatment begins.
Wounds
generally heal in about a week, although residual scarring can develop
if there has been a fair amount of scratching. If your child develops
a fever, sore throat, or appears sick, it may be an indication that
the infection has spread deeper into the skin.
Other
indicators may be if the wounds haven't healed, or the rash continues
to spread. Be sure to contact your doctor if any of these occur.
How
can it be prevented?
In
addition to limiting picking at the scab and scratching the wound,
it's important that the child's washcloths and towels be laundered
immediately, and that no other family members use these linens.
Keep
your child's fingernails short, and he or she should use antibacterial
soaps for washing their hands. Keep the surrounding area of the
wounds clean, by using peroxide or a recommended bleach solution.
A bandage placed over the wound helps limit its spread and discourages
scratching.
Once
antibiotic treatments are started, your child should be kept out
of school or daycare for a minimum of two days.
To
prevent impetigo, parents should be aware of any cuts and scrapes
that develop with their children. Getting in the habit of cleaning
wounds immediately with soap and water and keeping them covered
are great hygiene practices that can go a long way in keeping your
kids happy and healthy!
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