Impetigo

Skin conditions are common among children, such as impetigo, which is an annoying and sometimes painful skin infection, but it heals quickly and without complications in most cases.

Impetigo

Impetigo is an infection that causes the appearance of sores on the skin. These sores are itchy and sometimes painful. This condition often affects infants and young children, but it can appear in adults as well.

Impetigo is the most common skin infection in children who are 2-5 years old.

Causes of impetigo

• Impetigo occurs due to certain types of bacteria called streptococcus and staphylococcus. A cut, scratch, rash, or insect bite could be the way for these bacteria to enter the body.
• Impetigo might also occur after having another skin condition, such as eczema, scabies, or head lice.
• The risk of impetigo increases in the case of a weak immunity and warm and humid weather.
• Impetigo is a highly contagious condition, and the infection transmits through direct skin-to-skin contact, coming into contact with the discharges of a patient (such as nasal discharge), and using the patient’s personal items (such as towels). The patient remains contagious until the sores wear off, until the scabs fall off, or after two days of taking antibiotics.

Symptoms of impetigo

Symptoms of impetigo appear three days after getting infected, and the sores usually manifest around the nose and mouth. Nevertheless, they can appear on the scalp, arms, and legs as well.

Types of impetigo

• Non-bullous impetigo: it’s the most widespread type and the first stage of impetigo. Itchy sores with crusts appear quickly with red skin around them in addition to swollen glands near them. These sores usually heal without scars.
• Bullous impetigo: it’s a rare type and mostly affects infants and children younger than 2 years old. Large, fluid-filled blisters are formed without the redness of the surrounding skin, and then these blisters open up and peel. These blisters also heal without scars in general.
• Ecthyma: it’s a serious type that occurs in case impetigo is left without treatment. Painful blisters are formed, which then become deep sores. After that, these blisters peel, and the skin around them becomes red. The blisters here might leave scars because the infection affected deeper layers in the skin.

Rarely, impetigo might cause serious complications, such as cellulitis and glomerulonephritis, which, in turn, could lead to hematuria and hypertension.

Diagnosis of impetigo

• Physical examination.
• Testing a sample from the sores.

Treatment of impetigo

• The treatment is essentially topical antibiotics, but some cases might need oral antibiotics.
• It’s recommended that the patient stay isolated until recovery.

Prevention of impetigo

• Practicing good hygiene and washing the hands regularly.
• Cleaning the cuts and scratches.
• Take precautions, like wearing gloves, while taking care of the patient.
• Don’t use the patient’s personal items.