The Basics of Impetigo

Impetigo

Impetigo is a contagious skin condition that causes blisters on the skin. These blisters pop and start to ooze the streptococcus or the staphylococcus bacteria. These sores ooze and then develop a crust over it after a few days This infections occurs frequently in children, but can affect adults as well.

How Is Impetigo Spread?

Impetigo is  spread mostly from direct contact from someone who has it. However, it can also be spread from items like toys, towel, clothing or household items that have come in contact with the bacteria. The bacteria enters the skin through cuts or breaks in the skin. Adults may get impetigo from close contact with children who have the condition. Heat, eczema and humidity can increase a person’s chances of having impetigo.

How To Treat Impetigo

While Impetigo is a contagious condition, it is not necessarily a serious one, and can even be left on its own to dry up and go away. The area affected should not be touched or scratched, and frequent hand washing should be done by the person affected with the infection.

Mild cases of impetigo can easily be treated by gently cleaning it, removing its crusts and then treating it with antibiotic ointments such as mupirocin. Widespread cases or severe cases like bullous impetigo may require treatment like oral antibiotics aside from topical treatments.

Here are some complications that may arise from severe cases of impetigo that is left untreated:

Poststreptococcal Glomerulonephritis. Also known as PSGN, this condition is the inflammation of the kidneys resulting from a streptococcal infection. This is caused by dead bacteria as well as antibodies in the system which are then trapped in the kidney’s filter tubes. This condition can eventually cause kidney failure.

Meningitis. This is a condition that is caused by the inflammation of the membranes of the brain and the fluid surrounding it. Meningitis can lead to blindness, hearing loss, brain damage, some behavioral problems and even death.

Cellulitis. This is an infection that affects tissues under the skin, and may start to spread to the lymph nodes as well as the blood. This condition should be treated, as this can become deadly.

How To Prevent Impetigo

Prevention is always better than cure, and there are numerous steps that one can take in order to prevent impetigo, and these include:

-        Over all good hygiene

-        Regular hand washing using antibacterial soap

-        Regular bathing

-        Proper treatment of other skin conditions and treatments

-        Covering the infected skin with clean gauze

-        Refraining from scratching or touching the infected skin

-        Keeping belongings like towels, linen, clothing and the like separate for infected individuals.

Impetigo does not usually leave scars, since the blisters and the crusts are usually superficial. The skin