Impetigo - Definition, Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Impetigo Definition

Impetigo is a skin infection. Impetigo may be caused by bacteria. Impetigo may be characterized by the eruption of superficial pustules that rupture and form thick yellow crusts, usually on the face. It is most common in children and is contagious. Impetigo forms round, crusted, oozing spots that grow larger day by day.

This vesiculopustular eruptivc disorder spreads most easily among infants, young children, and elderly people. The hands and face are the favorite locations for impetigo, but it often appears on other parts of the body. Impetigo is also known as impetigo contagiosa.

Impetigo Causes

Impetigo refers to a very localized bacterial infection of the skin. There are two types, bullous and epidemic. While the bacteria causing impetigo may have been caught from someone else with impetigo or boils, impetigo usually begins out of the blue without any apparent source of infection. When a child has several of these vesicles close together, they may spread to one another. The skin surface may become eaten away (ulcerated), leaving irritated pits.

Impetigo may be caused by the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus (also known as staph) affects children of all ages. Impetigo caused by the bacteria called group A streptococci (also known as strep) are most common in children ages in between two to five. If large quantities of bacteria are present and begin circulating in the bloodstream, the child is in danger of developing an overwhelming systemic infection known as sepsis.

Impetigo Symptoms

The first sign of bullous impetigo is a large bump on the skin with a clear, fluid-filled top. The bump develops a scab-like, honey-colored crust. There is usually no redness or pain , although the area may be quite itchy.

A rare but serious complication of streptococcal impetigo is glomerulonephritis.

The other symptoms of the impetigo may be included:

• Rash
• satellite lesions
• Itching blister
• Skin lesion on lips
• small red macule
• Skin lesion on legs
• Skin lesion on the arms
• Skin lesion on the face
• Lymphadenopathy

Impetigo Treatments

The goal is to cure the infection and relieve the symptoms.

Stops Impetigo in 48 hours or less. It is safe for children and adults.

Wash the skin several times a day, preferably with an antibacterial soap, to remove crusts and drainage.

Treatment is by topical antibiotics. Antibiotics taken by mouth usually clear up impetigo in four or five days. It's important for the antibiotic to be taken faithfully until the prescribed supply is completely used up.

You can stop soaking the impetigo when crusts no longer form. When the skin is healed, stop the antibiotic ointment.