Impetigo is a highly contagious bacterial skin infection that mostly affects babies, but can affect people of all ages. Impetigo is caused by two types of bacteria: staphylococcus aureus (staphylococcus) and Streptococcus pyogenes (streptococcus). It is usually transmitted by scratching a small cut, insect bite or eczema-like rash, but it can also develop on healthy skin.
Types of impetigo:
There are two main types of impetigo
1.Non-bullous infectious impetigo (more common type):
It starts as small red sores or blisters that quickly break and ooze, forming honey-colored crusts. These sores usually appear around the nose and mouth, but can also spread to other parts of the body.
2.Bullous impetigo:
Larger fluid-filled blisters (bullae) that take longer to rupture and leave a yellowish crust. This type is more common in babies and tends to appear on the trunk (abdomen) and around the diaper area.
Symptoms of contagious impetigo:
- Red sores that quickly turn into yellow-brown scabs.
- Itching and discomfort in the affected area.
- In some cases, swelling of the lymph nodes in the infected area.
- Blisters filled with fluid (bullous impetigo).
- Spread of sores to other parts of the body through touching, scratching or close contact with others.
- Direct skin contact with an infected person.
- Contact with contaminated surfaces, towels, clothes and bed linen.
- Touching other parts of the body or other people after scratching or touching sores.
- Young children: especially children aged 2-5 years are more prone to cuts and abrasions.
- Crowded environments: schools, kindergartens and sports fields increase the likelihood of spreading germs.
- Skin damage: cuts, insect bites, eczema and other skin conditions can allow bacteria to enter the skin.
- Hot, humid climates: In these environments, impetigo is more likely to develop through sweating and rubbing against the skin.
- Impetigo contagiosa is usually treated with antibiotics to eliminate the infection and prevent it from spreading. Treatment may include
- Mupirocin (Bactroban) or retapamulin (Altavax) ointment is usually prescribed and applied directly to the affected area.
- For more common or severe cases, oral antibiotics such as cephalexin or dicloxacillin are prescribed.
- Wash affected areas with soap and water and keep clean.
- Avoid scratching or touching the wounds.
- Cover wounds with gauze or loose bandages to prevent the spread of infection.
- Wash your hands often and practice good hygiene, especially with children.
- Wash towels, clothes and bed linen of infected people separately using hot water.
- Avoid sharing towels, razors, clothes and other personal items.
- Cellulitis: deep bacterial infection of the skin and underlying tissues.
- Post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis: A rare condition in which the infection affects the kidneys, causing inflammation and sometimes damage.
- Scarring: In severe cases, impetigo can leave scars.
Causes and transmission:
Infectious impetigo occurs when bacteria invade the skin through wounds or cuts. Impetigo is highly contagious and is spread through the following infection routes
It is more common in warm, humid environments and spreads easily in schools, kindergartens and sports teams.
Risk factors:
Diagnosis:
Impetigo is usually diagnosed by examination by a health professional. Fluid may be taken from wounds to identify the causative organism, especially if the infection is severe or not responding to treatment.
Treatment of impetigo:
Topical antibiotics:
Oral antibiotics:
Home care and prevention
Complications:
Impetigo contagiosa is usually mild and can be improved with treatment, but if left untreated or treated incorrectly it can lead to complications such as
Prognosis:
With prompt treatment, impetigo usually heals within 1-2 weeks and leaves no sequelae. Antibiotics shorten the duration of infection and most people are no longer infected after 24-48 hours of treatment.
If you suspect infectious impetigo or see skin sores that do not heal, it is important to consult a health care professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.
