Impetigo is a bacterial skin infection that is common among kids, especially preschool and school-age kids.
This manifest in the form of blisters or sores on the leg, face, hands, and even the diaper area. There are three types of impetigo namely non-bullous (crusted), bullous (large blisters), and ecthyma (ulcers).
Causes of Impetigo
Impetigo is caused either of these two bacteria: Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes (also called group A streptococcus).
Impetigo shows up on the skin as a result of another skin problem like insect bites, cut or scrapes eczema. When a child itches the where the irritation, sore or rash impetigo would likely show up but making your kids wash their hands would prevent it.
Symptoms of Impetigo
Impetigo occurs mostly in the mouth, nose, hands, and diaper area. Although it could affect any part of the body too.
Impetigo can spread from one person to another this means that it is contagious. When a person touches the infected skin or items that have touched the infected skin it can spread to other parts of the body.
Treatment of Impetigo
When this occurs in kids, it is best to take it to the hospital where the doctor can rightly diagnose and prescribe what is needed to treat impetigo. Impetigo is usually treated with antibiotics.
It is important that the medicine prescribed be taken accordingly to prevent a more serious reoccurrence. As the infection heals, you can wash the skin with a clean cloth, warm water, and antiseptic soap
Preventing Impetigo
- Enforce hand washing at home
- Kids should take baths regularly
- Look out for skin injuries like cuts, scrapes, bites, eczema, and rashes and clean them
- Where there is already an infection to prevent it from spreading, avoid sharing clothing, sheets, razors, soaps, and towels
- The clothing of the kid with impetigo should be washed with hot water
- Keep the surfaces of your kitchen and household clean
Please note that if your child’s skin becomes red, tender and does not show any sign of healing after treatment for three days and fever develops see your doctor immediately.