Impetigo is a highly contagious bacterial skin infection common in small children. It produces sores and blisters around the face, hands, neck and genitals. These sores erupt and develop yellow-brown crusts. A child is more prone to impetigo if he or she is suffering from other skin diseases like eczema, poison ivy, pest bites and even cuts and bruises. This disease is not serious and can be treated easily.
Impetigo is of two types:
Non-Bullous impetigo:
This type causes sores around the nose and mouth. These sores burst after some time and leave honey colored crust.
Bullous impetigo:
This type of impetigo causes sores around the central part of the body. These sores burst after some days and leave honey colored crust.
Impetigo is a bacterial skin infection caused by Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes. These bacteria enter the body through cuts, bruises, insect bites or other type of injury. They can also enter easily if the person is suffering from skin diseases like eczema, poison ivy, scabies etc.
Impetigo is a highly contagious disease that can spread to anyone who comes in close contact with an infected person. Using materials like towels, clothes etc of an infected person can also cause Impetigo.
Symptoms:
The symptoms of Impetigo are easily recognizable. They are:
1. Blisters and sores all over the body especially nose and mouth
2. Honey colored crust forming around ruptured blisters
3. Rashes
4. Lot of itching and scratching
Treatment:
Impetigo can be easily treated. It takes about 1-2 weeks to be cured from Impetigo. Take the antibiotics cream and pills prescribed by your physician. If you are suffering from Impetigo take the following precaution to avoid spreading the disease to others:
1. Don't scratch or touch the sores
2. Wash your hands frequently
3. Use a separate glass, plate, towel and sheet
4. Avoid interaction with other peoples.
