Impetigo is an extremely contagious skin infection caused by bacteria that results in small sores that contain pus and a hard coating, which can be golden or honey-colored.
The most common type of impetigo is non-bubbling, and in this case sores tend to appear on the nose and around the lips, however, other types of impetigo appear on the arms or legs and feet.Impact.
There are different types of impetigo that have slightly different characteristics and symptoms:
This is the most common type of disease and usually takes about 1 week for all symptoms to appear, especially in areas around the nose and mouth.
Bubble impetigo is the second most common type and appears mainly on the arms, legs, chest and stomach, being rare on the face.
This is the most severe type of impetigo as it affects the deep layers of the skin, especially in the legs and feet, so treatment takes longer and can leave small scars on the skin.
Diagnosis of impetigo is usually made by a dermatologist or pediatrician, in the child’s case, only by assessment of injuries and medical history.
However, in some cases, more tests may also be needed to identify the type of bacteria, but this is usually only necessary in the case of an infection that occurs very frequently or when treatment does not have the desired effect.
Impetigo is caused by the bacterium Streptococcus pyogenes or Staphylococcus aureus which affects the most superficial layers of the skin, and although anyone can develop the disease, it is more common in situations of weakening of the immune system, so it is more common in children, the elderly and people with autoimmune diseases.
These bacteria usually inhabit the skin, but a bite, cut, or scratch of an insect can cause them to reach the inner inner layers that cause the infection.
This skin disease is highly contagious because bacteria are easily transmitted through contact with pus released by injuries.For example, the child, or adult, is advised to stay home up to 2 days after starting treatment, to avoid spreading it.others.
In addition, during treatment, it is very important to take precautions such as:
In addition, in the case of infants and children, it is very important to let them play alone with washable toys, as they should be washed 48 hours after the start of treatment to prevent bacterial infection from returning on the surface of the toys.
Treatment of this disease should be guided by a pediatrician, in the case of infants and children, or by a dermatologist, in the case of adults, but is usually done with the application of antibiotic ointments on the injury.
In some cases, it may be necessary to soften the scabs with warm water before applying the ointment to improve the effects of treatment.Find out which remedies are most commonly used and what should be taken to ensure proper impetigo treatment.
In cases where treatment is ineffective, your doctor may also order laboratory tests to identify the type of bacteria causing the disease and adapt the antibiotic used.