Impetigo

Children are most prone to any kind of infection because their immune system has not developed yet.



Common among infants and children are various types of skin rashes. The most ordinary of which is impetigo. Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes are the most common bacteria causing the infection. They are normally found in the skin but become harmless only when the skin has an opening or lesion. Bacteria invading the skin when there are cuts and bites cause impetigo.



The rashes are commonly found around the nose and mouth.

 
Adults are not exempted from the skin infection; they can experience it as well. It results from skin injury, often when having dermatitis. Because of the lesion, bacteria can penetrate the skin. Those who have weak immune system are prone to the infection, too.

Impetigo starts with a red sore, which upon rupture will ooze with liquid. The liquid hardens and then forms a yellow-brown crust. Impetigo is contagious, and can spread to other parts of the body when touched or scratched. You can also get the infection when you are in contact with a person suffering from one. Impetigo can infect healthy skin, too. There will be no significant damage to the skin. This type of infection is Primary Impetigo. Though it is contagious, they are not a serious skin infection. The rashes clear after two to three weeks without subjecting to impetigo treatment.

Impetigo is not a serious type of infection. It can rarely lead to complications. One of the complications of impetigo is cellulitis.  However, if there are problems, the doctors usually include giving antibiotics as impetigo treatment. Antibiotics may be topical or oral. For mild infections, doctor’s common recommendation that assures remedies impetigo is proper hygiene. A clean body is the best solution. Using the right kind of soap to your children should be paid attention to. Anti-bacterial soap is recommended. Concentrate washing in areas where there are cuts and insect bite. Taking care of the skin remedies impetigo.

If there is someone in the family who has the infection, try avoiding skin contact with him or her. Wash his clothes and towels daily, keeping in mind not to share the things with anyone else. When applying impetigo treatment, always wash hands thoroughly. Cut the nails short to avoid causing more blisters when scratching. Teach everyone to wash his or her hands as often as needed. Let the infected person stay home until it is safe to go out.