Impetigo is a bacterial skin infection that causes red sores anywhere on the body, mostly around the mouth and nose. These sores rupture with the fluid oozing out and forming yellow-brown crust. This article provides information regarding the same.
Impetigo, also known as school sores, is a skin disease, that commonly affects infants and young children. It is a bacterial skin infection, caused by staphylococcus and streptococcus bacteria. It is characterized by small red blisters or sores on the surface of the skin, especially on the face.
Although this condition is common in infants and preschool children, it can also affect older children and adults. Staphylococcus and streptococcus bacteria are commonly present on the surface of the skin. Breaks or cuts in the skin facilitate the entry of disease-causing bacteria into the body. Once they enter the inner layers of the skin, they grow and multiply, forming blisters, and skin rash.
Types
There are three major kinds of this rash:
Bullous Impetigo
This kind of skin rash is caused by the staphylococcus bacteria. They produce a toxin that breaks the epidermis and the dermis, giving rise to a blister. These blisters can be formed in any area on the body. They are fragile and leave red, raw skin with a ragged edge on breaking.
Non-bullous Impetigo
This form is quite commonly seen in children and is caused by both, staphylococcus as well as streptococcus bacteria. Appearance of rashes on face or around the nose is a clear indication of this type of infection. Small blisters or scabs are seen which turn into yellow-colored crusts. Sometimes, they are seen on the arms and legs too.
Ecthyma
Ecthyma is the most serious form of impetigo rash. It is characterized by a deep, penetrating infection. The blisters or sores are often pus-filled and turn into deep ulcers. It generally affects the legs and feet of the person, and the scars remain even after the ulcers heal. The sores are covered with a hard, thick yellow-colored crust.
Symptoms
Impetigo skin rash generally affects the face and other exposed areas of the body. Bullous rash in children often causes red, fluid-filled sores on the face. These sores have a honey-colored crust and may last for four to six weeks. Sometimes, deep sores are formed, that penetrate the skin. These can be accompanied by itching and mild pain. A severe rash may even cause flu like symptoms including nausea, vomiting, and fever.
Treatment
This rash can be treated with topical antibiotic ointments if the rash is limited to a smaller area of skin. However, if the infection has spread to other parts of the body, antibiotic pills or liquid may be prescribed. Some of the oral antibiotics that help in treating the condition include dicloxacillin, flucloxacillin, erythromycin, amoxicillin, and cephalosporins.
Impetigo skin rash is highly contagious and mostly spreads by direct contact with the affected person. It may spread through towels, clothing, toys, or other household items. Therefore, it is very important to take all the necessary precautionary measures to prevent the infection from spreading.
Disclaimer: This HealthHearty article is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.
