Understanding Impetigo

 How to say it

ihm-peh-TI-goh

What causes impetigo?

Many types of bacteria live on normal, healthy skin. The bacteria usually don’t cause problems. Impetigo happens when bacteria enter the skin through a scratch, break, sore, bite, or irritated spot. They then begin to grow out of control, leading to infection. The most common bacteria causing impetigo are Staphylococcus and Streptococcus. In some cases, impetigo appears on skin that has no visible break. It may be more likely to occur on skin that has another skin problem, such as eczema.

It may also be more common after a cold or other virus.

Symptoms of impetigo

Symptoms include:

• Small, fluid-filled blisters on the skin that may itch, ooze, or crust.

• A yellow, honey-colored crust on the infected skin.

• Skin sores that spread with scratching.

• An itchy rash that spreads with scratching.

• Swollen lymph nodes.

Treatment for impetigo

The goal is to treat the infection and prevent it from spreading to others.

• You'll likely be given an antibiotic to treat the infection. This may be a cream or ointment to put on your skin. You usually need to use the cream or ointment for about 5 days. Remove the crust with soap and water before applying antibiotic cream.

• If the infection is severe or spreading, you may be given antibiotic medicine to be taken by mouth (oral). Be sure to use this medicine as directed. Don't stop using it until you're told to stop, even if your skin gets better. If you stop too soon, the infection may come back and be harder to treat.

• Try not to scratch or pick at your sores. It may help to cover affected areas with a loose bandage.

• To prevent spreading the infection, wash your hands with soap and clean, running water for at least 20 seconds before and after touching your skin. Wash your hands often during the day.

• Don't share personal items, towels, clothes, pillows, and sheets with others. After each use, wash these items in hot water with a strong detergent. Keep your laundry separate from others.

• Use two towels to dry after your bath. Use the first towel to dry your infected area. Use the second towel to dry the rest of your body. Before using these towels again, wash them in hot water with detergent.

• Clean the affected skin several times a day. Don’t scrub. Instead, soak the area in warm, soapy water. This will help remove the crust that forms. For places that you can't soak, such as the face, place a clean, warm (not hot) washcloth on the affected area. Use a new washcloth and towel each time.

When to contact your doctor

Contact your doctor or get medical care right away if you have:

• A fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, or as advised by your doctor.

• More sores or more spreading areas of redness after 2 days of treatment with antibiotics.

• More swelling or pain.

• More fluid or pus coming from the sores.

• Abnormal drowsiness, weakness, or a change in behavior.

• Loss of appetite or vomiting.

In rare cases, a streptococcal infection can cause damage to the kidneys. Contact your doctor right away if you see any of these symptoms within 7 to 14 days of being diagnosed with impetigo:

• Abnormal swelling especially in the face, around the eyes, and in the hands or feet

• Blood in your urine or rust-colored urine

• Decreased amount of urine, or decreased desire to urinate

• Joint pains or stiffness

• High blood pressure