You’ve probably heard that our skin is covered with bacteria-this is true!
These so-called ‘good’ bacteria take up space on our body’s surface and prevent disease-causing bacteria from entering in but even these good bacteria can become a problem when there is a breakdown of the skin’s protective barrier.
At times, the breakdown is large, such as a scratch or scrape. Other times, the breakdown is small. Something as simple as dry skin or an insect bite can allow the surface bacteria to invade.
How the infection looks depends on the type of bacteria, the location on the body, how deep the bacteria go and body immune system’s response to the infection.
What is impetigo?
Impetigo is a contagious skin infection that commonly affects children, especially aged 2-5, but it can affect anyone.
It is caused by strains of Staphylococcus or Streptococcus bacteria. These bacteria can get into the body through a break in the skin from a cut, scratch, insect bite, or rash and then, they can invade and colonize, but it can also occur in a healthy skin.
When it infects healthy skin, it is called primary impetigo but in broken skin, it is called secondary impetigo. It is not so easy or necessary to make this distinction.
Symptoms
The first symptom are reddish sores on the skin, often clustered around the nose and lips.
These sores grow into blisters quickly, ooze and burst, and then form a yellowish crust. These clusters of blisters may expand to cover more of the skin but at times, the red spots just develop a yellowish crust without any blisters.
The sores can be itchy and occasionally painful. After the crust phase, red marks are formed that fade without leaving scars.
At times, infants have a less common type of impetigo, with larger blisters around the diaper area or in skinfolds. These fluid-filled blisters then burst, leaving a scaly rim called a collarette.
This skin condition can be uncomfortable and it may involve a fever or swollen glands occasionally
Can it become dangerous?
Yes, It can.
The bacteria might invade more deeply or widely, resulting in cellulitis or an abscess.
It can also get into the bloodstream and travel to other parts of the body.
It is important to look out for symptoms such as increasing redness, pain, swelling, pus or bloody drainage, fever or vomiting.
If these symptoms arise, please consult your child’s pediatrician right away.
Treatment
Antibiotics are effective against impetigo.
The type of antibiotic used depends on how widespread or severe the lesions are.
If your baby has impetigo in only a small area of the skin, topical antibiotics are preferred.
If it is severe or widespread, oral antibiotics are prescribed.
It is important to note that all the crusts need to be removed first to allow the ointment get through to kill the bacteria.
With treatment, impetigo usually heals in 7-10days but if your child has an underlying infection or skin disease, the infection may take longer to heal.
Remedies you can try at home
Antibiotics are the main stay of treatment for impetigo, but you may be able to help the infection heal faster with these home remedies in addition to the prescribed treatment.
Some natural remedies that may be of help include;
• Tea tree oil
• Coconut oil
• Aloe vera
• Olive oil
• Garlic
• Manuka honey/ Raw honey: Apply either type directly to impetigo sores, and let it sit for 20minutes. Rinse with warm water.
Prevention
These following tips can be helpful to prevent the spread of impetigo:
1. Treat dry skin with moisturizing lotion or cream.
2. Clean scratches, scrapes and insect bites with soap and water.
3. Teach your child to avoid rubbing or picking the nose.
4. Teach your child to wash their hands regularly.
5. Tell your child not to touch or pick at the sores because each time they do that and then scratch another part of the skin, a new area of impetigo can get started.
6. Impetigo heals faster if left uncovered but if your child picks at the sores, keep them covered. Open drainage sores should be covered with a loose bandage.
Dr. Favvy
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The information on this blog is for educational purposes only.
It should not be used as a substitute for the medical advice of your pediatrician.
Always consult your pharmacist before giving your child any drug.
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