Impetigo: Manifestations and Prevention

Kids of 2 to 6 years are generally affected by this external bacterial infection known as Impetigo. This is common among children because they come in close touch with one another when they participate in close contact games like American football or rugby. This infection is caused by direct contact with the lesions or by the route of nasal carriers. The incubation period is merely 2-3 days and the scratching increases the lesions.

When you find that the child has some ulcers on the skin surface similar to pimples with coloration and thereby forms a liquid like substance in it. This may be the skin infection Impetigo.

The cause of Impetigo is clear. This communicable infection occurs to children and is evident on the face including open limbs. Scientists of medical research have attributed two different bacteria to be responsible for this skin problem and they are group A streptococcus and staphylococcus aureus. Children attending schools are more prone to this sort of skin infection due to close contact with one another. They experience irritation and pimple like ulcers on the skin surface.

This contact dermatitis happens mostly to children. It is important that you take adequate precaution to maintain a clean and hygienic atmosphere in your home so that your child is not affected by any skin trouble. It will be able to defend the child from infections.

Scratching makes a rash on the skin agitated. It may turn into impetigo on repeated scratching. An efficient hygienic practice will prevent this skin infection from spreading. An infected person should take bath properly using germicidal soap for getting rid of this at an early stage. The other members of the family should also pay attention if they are having some problems with their skin already like an open cut or wound. You should separate the linen used by the infected person including his towels, napkins and other items of clothing. It is wise to be confined within the house during the outbreak of this contact dermatitis to avoid worsening of conditions of blisters.

Antibiotics play a competent role in arresting the growth of this infection and at a later stage kills bacteria responsible for impetigo. Take your child to your family doctor for proper treatment with antibiotics, which the doctor will recommend for him in correct dosage form.

The manifestation of Impetigo starts with small ulcers on the skin surface in the areas near hands, face and legs. The blisters develop and go off with a liquid to form a dry crust with the skin around the blister. The reason is the infection due to Group A streptococcus bacteria. In the other case of infection due to staphylococcus bacteria, the blisters are bigger with fluid inside it but do not erupt and cause pain with irritation.

This is a contagious disease and scratching will amount to further spreading of this skin disease. It is better to leave the area of the skin untouched to avoid further infection. Prevent scratching and get faster relief from this dreaded skin disease.