Impetigo (im-peh-TIE-go) is a bacterial infection of the skin that is most common in young children. Doctors use antibiotics to treat impetigo. Antibiotics can also help protect others from getting sick.
What is the best antibiotic for impetigo?
Topical antibiotics such as mupirocin (Bactroban) and fusidic acid (not available in the United States) are the preferred first-line therapy for impetigo involving limited body surface area.
Is impetigo caused by poor hygiene?
Individuals with poor hygiene , diabetes or a weakened immune system are also more vulnerable to contracting an impetigo infection. Adults are at higher risk than children for complications of impetigo. Complications are rare but include cellulitis, kidney problems and scarring.
What triggers impetigo?
Impetigo is caused by bacteria . The most common is Staphylococcus aureus, also called staph. Streptococci bacteria can also cause impetigo. Many people have these kinds of bacteria on their body from time to time.
Is impetigo bacterial or fungal?
Articles On Impetigo
If your child gets red sores, especially around the nose and mouth, they could have impetigo. It’s a skin infection caused by a bacteria , and it spreads easily. It’s most common in babies and young children, but adults can get it too.
How long is impetigo contagious for?
How long is a person considered infectious? A person with impetigo is probably no longer infectious after 24 hours of adequate antibiotic treatment.
How can I get rid of impetigo fast?
Impetigo is treated with prescription mupirocin antibiotic ointment or cream applied directly to the sores two to three times a day for five to 10 days . Before applying the medicine, soak the area in warm water or apply a wet cloth compress for a few minutes.
Does impetigo spread all over the body?
In general, impetigo is a mild infection that can occur anywhere on the body . It most often affects exposed skin, such as around the nose and mouth or on the arms or legs.
How do you get rid of impetigo sores?
Gently wash the sores with soap and water each day . If crusts form, your doctor may advise you to soften or remove the crusts. You can do this by soaking them in warm water and patting them dry. This can help the cream or ointment treat impetigo.
How do you get rid of impetigo marks?
For mild cases of impetigo that cover a small area, antibiotic cream is often recommended. This usually needs to be applied three or four times a day for seven days. Before applying the cream, wash any affected areas of skin with warm, soapy water and try to clean off any crusts that have developed.
How do you clean your house after impetigo?
Home treatment options
Gently clean the sores with warm water and soap , and then remove the crusts. Wash your hands thoroughly after treating the sores to avoid spreading the infection. Dry the area and apply the prescription antibiotic ointment as directed.
Why do adults get impetigo?
Impetigo is caused by bacteria, usually staphylococci organisms . You might be exposed to the bacteria that cause impetigo when you come into contact with the sores of someone who’s infected or with items they’ve touched — such as clothing, bed linen, towels and even toys.
How do you treat impetigo on the face?
- Soak the skin with impetigo in warm water and soap to gently remove dirt and crusts.
- Apply the antibiotic (or other medicine) as prescribed.
- Cover the skin with impetigo to help it heal and prevent spreading the infection to others.
Does impetigo stay in your system forever?
Impetigo will go away within a few weeks on its own . (6) A doctor might prescribe an antibiotic for 7 to 10 days, though you will likely see a response within 72 hours, Oza says.
Can impetigo make you feel unwell?
Impetigo can make the skin red, sore and itchy. There may be swollen glands. It is unusual to have a fever or feel very unwell .
Should you remove impetigo crust?
It is very important to remove all the crusts so the antibiotic ointment can get through to kill the germs. 5. You may have to rub the area gently, but don’t scrub it because this can push the germs into normal skin and lead to more impetigo. A little bleeding is common when you remove all the crusts.
