IMPETIGO

Impetigo is a common skin infection. It is most common in children, particularly if they are exposed to poor hygienic conditions. In adults, it may follow other skin disorders. Impetigo may follow a recent upper respiratory infection such as a cold or other viral infection. It is similar to cellulitis, but more superficial, involving infection of the superficial skin (top layers) with streptococcus (strep), staphylococcus (staph), or both.

What is Impetigo?

Impetigo is a skin disorder caused by bacterial infection and characterized by crusting skin lesions.

Impetigo begins as an itchy, red sore that blisters, oozes and finally becomes covered with a tightly adherent crust. It tends to grow and spread. Impetigo is contagious. The infection is carried in the fluid that oozes from the blisters. Rarely, impetigo may form deeper skin ulcers.

Impetigo is contagious, so avoid skin contact with drainage from impetigo lesions.

What are the Symptoms of Impetigo?

• Skin lesion on the face/ lips, or on the arms or legs, spreading to other areas. Typically this lesion begins as a cluster of tiny blisters which burst, followed by oozing and the formation of a thick honey or brown colored crust that is firmly stuck to the skin.
  
• Itching of the blister (vesicle):
  
• Filled with yellow or honey-colored fluid
  
• Oozing and crusting over
  
• Rash (may begin as a single spot, but if child digs at it, it may spread to other areas).
  
• In infants, a single or possibly multiple blisters filled with pus, easy to pop and when broken leave a reddish raw-looking base.
  
• Lymphadenopathy -- local lymph nodes near the infection may be swollen.
  

How is Impetigo Diagnosed?

Diagnosis is based primarily on the appearance of the skin lesion. A culture of the skin or mucosal lesion usually grows streptococcus or staphylococcus.

How is Impetigo Treated?

The goals of treatment are to cure the infection and relieve the symptoms.

A mild infection is treated with topical (applied to a localized area of the skin) antibiotics prescribed by the health care provider. A typical topical agent would be a prescription antibacterial cream such as Bactroban. Oral antibiotics frequently are prescribed and result in rapid clearing of the lesions. Typical antibiotics include erythromycin or dicloxacillin.

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

Prevent the spread of infection. Use a clean washcloth and towel each time. Do not share towels, clothing, razors, and so on with other family members. Wash the hands thoroughly after touching the skin lesions.