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Impetigo: Frequently Asked Questions

What is Impetigo?

Impetigo is a skin infection that can spread from one person to another. Impetigo causes one or more "sores" on the skin that are often covered by a thick dry honey-colored crust. The sores don't hurt, but may be tender if touched. They may also be itchy. Any skin area can be affected, but sores are usually on arms or legs, the face (mainly around the mouth, nose, or ears), and sometimes on the scalp. Anyone can get impetigo, but it most often occurs in children 2 to 6 years old. ...
Impetigo is a skin infection caused by specific bacteria. These bacteria are very common and live on lots of people’s skin or inside the nose without causing any problems. Impetigo develops if the bacteria get inside the skin and multiply. Impetigo is very contagious (easily spread). Good hygiene precautions help to stop the bacteria spreading and prevent other people catching it. The symptoms of impetigo usually appear 4-10 days after you’ve been infected with the bacteria. ...
Impetigo is a superficial skin infection caused by bacteria. Impetigo begins as a cluster of small blisters that expand and rupture within the first 24 hours. Impetigo develops most frequently on the legs, but may also be found on the arms, face and trunk. It is prone to people who play close contact sports such as football and wrestling. Impetigo can be treated with an antibiotic taken by mouth or by application of an antibiotic ointment to the affected areas.

What Causes Impetigo?

Impetigo is usually caused by a group of bacteria ("germs") called group A streptococci ("strep"), or by other bacteria called staphylococci ("staph"). These bacteria are normally found on the skin and in the nose. When small cuts, scratches, or insect bites occur, these bacteria can get under the skin surface and cause infection. Infected areas are often reddish and puffy. Fluid or pus oozes from the sore for a few days. The fluid dries to form honey-colored crusts. ...
Impetigo is caused by bacteria that may normally reside on the skin.

What Happens if Impetigo Is Not Treated?

If impetigo is not treated promptly, it can spread to other areas of the body or to other people. Severe or untreated impetigo can cause kidney damage.

How is Impetigo Spread?

Impetigo is very contagious. Sores have large numbers of the bacteria. The bacteria are easily passed to new areas of the skin by scratching or touching the sores or to other people by unwashed hands, dirty fingernails, and clothing or other objects that have touched the sores. To help prevent spread of impetigo: Bathe or shower daily. Keep fingernails clean and short. Wash with hot water and soap clothing, sheets, towels, and other items that come in contact with impetigo sores or crusts. ...

What are the symptoms of Impetigo?

Small blisters develop first, they tend to burst quickly leaving scabby areas of skin. These patches look like yellowy moist crusts stuck to the skin. Sometimes there are only one or two of these areas. The skin underneath tends to look red and inflamed. Patches of impetigo are usually quite small. Sometimes other patches of impetigo develop near to the original patch and spread outwards. Impetigo is often itchy.

How Can Impetigo Be Treated?

While rarely serious, impetigo can sometimes lead to complications. See a doctor if small breaks in the skin do not heal quickly or if the sores get bigger and honey-colored crusts appear. The doctor can decide if the skin problem is impetigo and what type of treatment is needed. Oral antibiotics may be prescribed to treat impetigo infections. Be sure to finish all of the medication given, even if your child seems better. This helps prevent the infection from reoccurring. ...

How Can Impetigo Be Prevented?

Bathe or shower daily with soap and water. Wash face, hands, and hair regularly. If you are caring for someone with impetigo, be sure to wash your hands after each contact. Keep fingernails short and clean. Change and wash clothing frequently. Do not let your children play, or have other close contact, with someone who may have impetigo (look for the sores with honey-colored crusts). If you or your child get a cut, scratch, or insect bite, wash the wound with soap and water. ...

How do you catch Impetigo?

Impetigo is spread through direct contact with infected skin (touching). It can also spread if you share towels or bedding with people who are infected, although this is less common. Conditions where the skin is broken, such as eczema or scratches or insect bites, can make it easier for the bacteria to enter the skin's layers and begin an infection. The infection can be passed on until treatment has been started and the infected areas have started to heal.

What's the difference between ringworm and impetigo?

Ringworm itches, impetigo hurts. Hair falls out in ringworm, but hair stays put in impetigo. Ringworm is never fatal, and is usually easily controlled. Just be sure to avoid reinfection by washing hands, clothes, towels, bed lines, and children frequently to stop the spread of the
Ringworm itches, impetigo hurts. Hair falls out in ringworm, but hair stays put in impetigo. Ringworm is never fatal, and is usually easily controlled. Just be sure to avoid reinfection by washing hands, clothes, towels, bed lines, and children frequently to stop the spread of the infection. Author or co-author of nine books on natural healing, Robert Rister is currently blogging on alternative therapies for pancreatic cancer .
Ringworm itches, impetigo hurts. Hair falls out in ringworm, hair stays put in impetigo.

How do I get treatment for Impetigo?

Impetigo is treated with antibiotics. In severe cases tablets may be necessary. With antibiotics, the infection usually clears up in 7 – 10 days. It’s likely to heal by itself in two to three weeks, but because its so easily spread and can lead to more serious infections, its important to get rid of it as quickly as possible. If you think you might have impetigo, you should make an appointment to see the doctor (Reception in Main House or Sion Hill). ...

Are there other Impetigo treatments than the ones you rank?

There might be other treatment options for Skin Abscess available over the internet. Our intention is only to list alternatives that in our opinion have proven effectiveness and with reliable evidence to back their claims.

My daughter was just diagnosed with Impetigo. Should I worry about my unborn child since this is highly contagious?

Impetigo is an easily transmitted staph infection usually localized to the skin. The use of local antibiotic preparations are helpful and avoiding contact limits spread. Do not share towels, clothing, or have skin to skin contact. Your unborn child should not be affected. If you develop lesions on your skin, consult your physician.
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