IMPETIGO

(Pyoderma)

 Basic information

description

Impetigo is a common and highly contagious, bacterial skin infection. It usually involves the skin of the face (often around the mouth and nose), arms, and legs. The two forms of impetigo are called bullous (less common) and nonbullous. Impetigo can affect all ages, but it is most common in infants and children.

FREQUENT SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

• Small red sores that change to blisters. Some blisters contain pus, and yellow-brown crusts form when they break. The blisters don't hurt, but they may itch.
• Slight fever (sometimes).

causes

Staphylococcal or streptococcal (or both) bacteria growing in the upper skin layers. It is usually spread from person to person, or from germs on something an infected person has touched. The time from exposure to the germs and the start of symptoms is 1 to 3 days. A person is contagious when the rash is crusting or oozing pus.

risk increases with

• Contact with an infected person.
• Skin that is sensitive to sun and irritants, such as soap and makeup.
• Other skin problems, such as bites, burns, infections, sores, or injuries.
• Poor general health.
• Warm, moist weather.
• Children in daycare.
• Poor hygiene.

PREVENTIVE MEASURES

• Cannot always be prevented.
• Avoid contact with an infected person.
• Maintain good general health and good hygiene.

expected outcomes

Curable in 7 to 10 days with treatment. It may recur in children.

possible complications

• Can lead to other skin conditions and scarring (rare).
• Kidney disorder (rare).

 diagnosis & treatment

general measures

• Your health care provider can diagnose impetigo by an exam of the infected skin. Medical skin tests are usually not needed.
• Treatment is with drugs used for bacterial infection.
• Self-care steps include:
  • Wash sores with gauze using soap and water and pat dry. If crusts are difficult to remove, soak them in warm, soapy water and scrub gently.
  • Cover impetigo sores with gauze and tape to keep hands away from them.
  • Keep fingernails short. Don't scratch the blisters. Scratching can spread infection to other parts of the body.
  • If there is an outbreak in the family, urge all members to wash hands often with antibacterial soap. Antibacterial wipes may be used.
  • Do not share towels, washcloths, sheets, pillows, clothes, or toys with an infected person. Wash items in hot water before using them again.
  • Men should shave around sores on the face, not over them. Use an aerosol shaving cream and change razor blades each day. Don't use a shaving brush; it may have germs on it. Don't share razors with other people.

medications

• Antibiotic ointments are usually prescribed.
• Oral antibiotics may be prescribed.

activity

Children can usually return to daycare or school 24 hours after starting treatment (or as advised by your health care provider).

diet

No special diet.

 notify our office if

• You or your child has symptoms of impetigo.
• Fever occurs.
• Sores continue or don't begin to heal in 3 days, despite treatment.

Special Notes: