What is impetigo?
Staph infections and strep throat are regular concerns for parents of small children, but the bacteria that cause these problems can also cause a skin infection called impetigo. This highly contagious infection is most common in children and infants and can lead to serious complications. It’s important that the condition is diagnosed and treated early to prevent these complications from occurring to your child.
Impetigo first appears as red sores, usually around a child’s nose or mouth, that rupture soon after appearing. After rupturing, the sores will crust over and may become itchy. While most cases of impetigo are painless, the most serious form of the disease, ecthyma, is quite painful and can lead to ulcers in the lower body.
There are certain conditions that increase a person’s risk of contracting impetigo. The first is age. If your child is between two and six years old, they are at a higher risk of developing the disease. Also, crowded conditions, such as a school or bus, help the disease spread. As with most skin diseases, people with weakened immune systems are more susceptible to contracting impetigo. The most common complications from impetigo are cellulitis, PSGN and an MRSA infection, also known as the super staph infection.
While impetigo itself isn’t dangerous, it’s important that you seek treatment of the disease to avoid complication. Your dermatologist should be able to diagnose the disease by sight, but they may take a skin culture to be certain. Once it’s clear that you or your child has impetigo, there are three treatment options: topical antibiotics, oral antibiotics or personal hygiene measures. Your dermatologist can decide which one is the most appropriate for each individual case.
If you need more serious help with skin issues or something else that is troubling your skin, we are here to help. Skin health is an important part of total body wellness. Schedule an appointment today with one of our board certified physicians to get your skin the care it needs so it can reach its fullest, healthiest potential.
Contact Knoxville Dermatology Group at 865.690.9467.
