Impetigo is a contagious bacterial skin infection that commonly affects children but can occur in people of all ages. It presents as red sores that quickly develop into honey-colored crusts, often around the nose, mouth, and limbs.
The disease can develop in children of all ages. It begins with a rash of small, reddish blisters that rapidly increase in size. They soon rupture and leave a raw, moist surface with a yellowish discharge that forms a thick, honey-colored crust. The sores are commonly seen around the mouth and nose, but they can also develop on the scalp, arms and legs. In some cases, individual sores fuse together to form a large, scablike crust. In one variety of impetigo, the broken blisters leave a raw, reddish spot covered by a shiny film instead of crusting over.
Apart from the rash there are usually no other symptoms, but in severe cases the affected skin may be swollen and tender to touch. Sometimes, there may be itching, a mild fever and swollen lymph glands.
What Causes Impetigo?
The disease can be caused by two types of bacteria—streptococci and staphylococci. The infectious organisms can spread through direct contact or through contaminated objects such as sheets. The bacteria penetrate the skin through an opening— insect bite, a cut, a wound or an area already irritated by a condition such as eczema— spread quickly to cause numerous sores.
Signs and Symptoms of Impetigo
Any time a child develops red sores that quickly crust over, he or she may have impetigo. Your suspicion should be particularly high if the child’s siblings or classmates have similar sores.
First Aid for Impetigo
1. Recognizing Impetigo
- Symptoms:
- Red sores that burst and form a yellowish-brown crust
- Itchy or painful lesions
- Possible mild fever or swollen lymph nodes in severe cases
- Causes:
- Bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes) entering the skin through cuts, insect bites, or irritated areas
2. First Aid Treatment
- Clean the Affected Area:
- Wash the skin gently with warm water and mild soap.
- Pat dry with a clean towel—avoid scrubbing to prevent irritation.
- Apply Antibiotic Ointment:
- Use an over-the-counter antibiotic cream (such as mupirocin) if recommended by a healthcare provider.
- In more severe cases, oral antibiotics may be necessary.
- Prevent Scratching:
- Keep fingernails short to reduce the risk of spreading the infection.
- Cover sores with a clean bandage if needed.
- Maintain Hygiene:
- Wash hands frequently with soap and water.
- Avoid sharing towels, clothing, or personal items.
3. When to Seek Medical Help
- If the infection spreads rapidly or worsens
- If fever or swollen lymph nodes develop
- If sores do not improve with basic care
Treatment for Impetigo
If the infection is mild and the affected area is small, treatment with antibiotic ointment may be adequate. However, many children need systemic antibiotics orally or by injection.
With proper treatment, impetigo improves within three to four days. Healing is complete in about ten days. If treatment is delayed, however, the infection takes longer to heal. Without treatment, it may persist for months and leave scars or affect the color of the skin. It can also make the skin vulnerable to other infections, such as herpes.
Preventing the Spread of Impetigo
- Seriously affected children should stay out of day care or preschool until two days after starting antibiotics.
- Keep the child’s towels and washcloths separate from those of other family members, and launder them carefully after each use.
- If there is an outbreak of impetigo in the vicinity or in your household, apply an antibiotic cream to insect bites and wounds to prevent infection.
Home Care for Impetigo
Home care plays a significant role in the management and recovery from impetigo. Proper hygiene and care measures can accelerate healing and prevent complications.
Cleaning the Affected Area
Gently cleaning the sores with mild soap and water helps remove crusts and reduces bacterial contamination. Pat the area dry with a clean towel and avoid rubbing, which can irritate the skin further.
Covering the Lesions
Covering the sores with sterile gauze or bandages can prevent the spread of the infection to other parts of the body or other people. Change the dressing regularly to keep the area clean.
Avoiding Scratching
Scratching can worsen the infection and lead to scarring. Keep the child’s nails trimmed, and consider using mittens or gloves to prevent scratching, especially at night.
Caring for a Child with Impetigo
Whether the child receives antibiotics or not, the following measures will speed improvement.
- Trim the child’s nails to prevent scratching.
- Give the child daily baths.
- Gently wash the affected skin with soap and water to remove the crust. Afterward, dab the area dry.
- To make crust removal easier, apply wet compresses.
- Apply an antibiotic ointment or cream prescribed by the doctor.
- Give oral antibiotics if prescribed by a doctor.
REFERENCES
- Mumu SK. (2017). Antimicrobial activity of TeaTree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia)against skin infection causing bacteria and comparison of its effectivenesswith that of the Eucalyptus oil, Lemongrass oil and conventional antibiotics.
http://dspace.bracu.ac.bd:8080/xmlui/bitstream/handle/10361/9268/13326013_Bachelor.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y - Miraj S, et al. (2016). A systematic reviewstudy of therapeutic effects of Matricaria recuitta chamomile (chamomile). DOI:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5074766/ - Hartman-Adams H, Banvard C, Juckett G. Impetigo: diagnosis and treatment. Am Fam Physician. 2014 Aug 15;90(4):229-35. PMID: 25250996.
- Brown E, Wise R. Treatment for impetigo. Br J Gen Pract. 2003 Dec;53(497):974. PMID: 15002451; PMCID: PMC1314762.
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