– Things you should know about impetigo.
– What is impetigo and what are the causes?
Impetigo refers to a bacterial skin infection. It is a contagious bacterial skin disease that forms pustules ( a small accumulation of pus in the epidermis or dermis).
It can also from yellow and crusty sores especially on the face and on the hands. This infection is rampant or common in children (especially children between the age of 2-5) than in adults.
Also, this bacterial infection is contagious and is caused by strains of both staphs (staphylococcus) and strep ( Streptococcus)bacteria.
However, one unique thing about it is that it is not always serious and is easy to treat. This infection is rarely serious and usually resolves on its own within a couple of weeks.
However, doctors may decide to treat children with an antibiotic ointment or oral antibiotics to prevent complications, which may sometimes occur.
Most of the times, this infection occurs in a warm and humid environment and it can spread from one person to another through close contact (such as between family members).
Also, this infection often causes sores and blisters. There are two types of impetigo: non-bullous impetigo and bullous impetigo. The most common type is the non-bullous impetigo.
The causes of impetigo are the two types of bacteria mentioned above, they include; Staphylococcus aureus (staph) and Streptococcus pyrogens (strep).
Both types of bacteria exist harmlessly on human skin. They cause infection when there is a cut or wound.
The symptoms of impetigo include the following;
1. The appearance of sores on the affected part of the skin.
2. Also, crusts appear on the skin.
3. Redness of the skin is also another symptom.
Treatment will depend on the type of impetigo and the severity of symptoms. Treatment with antibiotics is the most common treatment to help prevent the spread of impetigo to others.