What is impetigo?
Monday September 24 2007
Impetigo is a skin infection caused by the common Staphylococcus bacteria. The infection causes eruptions of blisters and scabs on the skin.
It usually occurs in children or adolescents. Those with existing eczema are more at risk of contracting the infection. While not a serious condition in itself, impetigo is highly contagious.
Impetigo first appears as a small patch of itchy skin that becomes red or inflamed.
Small blisters develop, which may weep a yellow fluid. This fluid becomes crusty, forming scabs, and new blisters may form.
The infection is typically localised and confined to the face, and around the mouth and nose, although it may also appear on the legs. These infected areas may itch and scarring can occur due to scratching. This promotes the spread of the condition, since it may burst any blisters, causing the bacteria-containing fluid to be released.
During the blister and scab phase, impetigo is very contagious. In the nursery or crèche situation, impetigo can rapidly spread to other toddlers.
Infected children should be removed from crèche or school and kept out for between one and two weeks until the condition becomes non-infectious.
Impetigo can be successfully treated with antibiotic creams and ointments.
The condition usually becomes non-infectious after about a week of treatment. It is important to avoid spread of infection by using separate towels, facecloths and combs or hairbrushes.
Symptoms
First appears as red, itchy blisters on the face, especially around the nose and mouth.
Blisters may weep yellow fluid that crusts to form scabs.
Treatment
Antibiotic creams or ointments, such as Fucidin or Bactroban, are usually effective after about one week of treatment.
More severe infections may require an oral antibiotic.
Flucloxacillin is the most commonly used. Erythromycin is prescribed to children with a penicillin allergy.
Avoiding the spread of infection
Good hygiene is essential. The use of antiseptic soap and separate towels and facecloths is important.
Fingernails should be cut short to prevent damage from scratching. Children should be kept home until the condition has become non-infectious.
