What is impetigo? Impetigo is a contagious skin infection that mainly affects children.
One of the most common skin infections in children is impetigo. Although impetigo is most common in children, adults can also become infected. Many people think this is a problem that only concerns people who are poor or living in unsanitary conditions, but anyone can become infected with impetigo.
The book entitled "The American Medical Association Family Medical Guide", published in 1982 by Random House, provides the following information which describes the symptoms of impetigo. It says the sores most often appear near the mouth and nose. In its early stages, impetigo resembles small blisters. After these blisters break open, the infected skin is very red, wet, and raw in appearance. This moisture begins forming a yellowish crust. If left untreated, impetigo can spread to other parts of the body and to other people.
The causes of impetigo are listed and described by the website article entitled "Don't Slap and Scratch", which was published in 1998 by Tender Corporation. It says an open wound such as an abrasion, insect bite, or minor injury can turn into impetigo. The germ that causes impetigo is Streptococcal. This bacteria of often present in sand and soil. Dirty fingers can infect broken skin through casual contact and itching.
According to the book "Taking Care of Your Child", published by Addison-Wesley Publishing Company, Inc., it is the belief of some physicians that treating mild cases of impetigo at home is fine. It continues by saying the crusts that form should be removed by soaking the area with warm water. After the crusts are removed, continue by scrubbing the sores with warm, soapy water. The same book says Bacitracin ointment may help stop impetigo from spreading to other people.
"Taking Care of Your Child" provides the following information on a complication that may occur with impetigo. Although it is rare, impetigo epidemics are often responsible for an ailment of the kidneys called glomerulonephritis. Symptoms of this illness are high blood pressure, dark brown urine, and a headache. "Don't Slap and Scratch" adds that nausea, swelling of the face, arms, and legs, and a decrease in urine are also symptoms of this disease. There is no cure for glomerulonephritis, but most people who experience this complication completely recover without serious consequences.
Another one of the complications of impetigo is described by "Don't Slap and Scratch" and is as follows. It says in very severe cases of impetigo, the infection may go deeper into the skin causing eczema. This severe form of impetigo is described as having a crust that is darker in color and deeper than regular impetigo. If this condition is not treated, scars and permanent changes in the pigment of the affected area may occur.
Since impetigo is highly contagious, it is important to take precautions to prevent other people form contracting it. According to "The American Medical Association Family Guide", towels, wash cloths, and soap should not be shared with an infected person. Pillows, sheets, blankets, and other items that may come in contact with the skin should not be shared. It also says children with impetigo should stay home from school and away from other children until the sores heal. A child with impetigo should be advised not to touch the infected area and to thoroughly wash their hands on a regular basis.
If professional medical attention is necessary, "Taking Care of Your Child" says the physician will want a medical history on the patient. Most often an oral antibiotic is prescribed. It says if the patient is allergic to penicillin, erythromycin is most often administered. In addition to an examination of the lesions, the physician may want a urine specimen and a blood pressure check. The same article says these tests are often given to look for symptoms of glomerulonephritis.
Taking precautions such as cleaning abrasions with warm, soapy water and covering them are helpful in the prevention of impetigo. It is important treat symptoms of impetigo early. Proper care will prevent further complications and the spread of this contagious skin infection. A physician should be consulted if symptoms should worsen, or if there is any doubt regarding the diagnosis of the condition.
