Re: impetigo

January 16, 2008

Signs and Symptoms

Impetigo may affect skin anywhere on the body but commonly occurs around the

nose and mouth, hands, and forearms.

When impetigo is caused by group A streptococcus, it begins as tiny

blisters. These blisters eventually burst and leave small wet patches of red

skin

that may weep fluid. Gradually, a tan or yellowish-brown crust covers the

affected area, making it look like it has been coated with honey or brown

sugar.

Impetigo that is caused by staphylococcus aureus triggers larger

fluid-containing blisters that appear clear, then cloudy. These blisters are

more likely

to stay intact longer on the skin without bursting.

Contagiousness

Impetigo may itch and can be spread by scratching. Kids can spread the

infection by scratching it and then touching other parts of the body.

Impetigo is contagious and can spread to anyone who comes into contact with

infected skin or other items, such as clothing, towels, and bed linens, that

have been touched by infected skin.

Treatment

When it just affects small areas of the skin, impetigo can usually be treated

with antibiotic ointment. But if the infection has spread to many areas of

the body, or the ointment isn't working, the doctor may prescribe an

antibiotic pill or liquid.

Once antibiotic treatment begins, healing should start within a few days.

It's important to make sure that your child takes the medication as the doctor

has prescribed it. If that doesn't happen, a deeper skin infection or a blood

infection could develop.

While the infection is healing, gently wash the areas of infected skin with

clean gauze and antiseptic soap every day. Soak any areas of crusted skin in

warm soapy water to help remove the layers of crust (it is not necessary to

completely remove all of it).

To keep your child from spreading impetigo to other parts of the body, the

doctor or nurse will probably recommend covering infected areas of skin with

gauze and tape or a loose plastic bandage. Keep your child's fingernails short

and clean.

Prevention

Good hygiene practices, such as regular hand washing, can help prevent

impetigo. Have kids use soap and water to clean their skin and be sure they take

baths or showers regularly. Pay special attention to areas of the skin that

have been injured, such as cuts, scrapes, bug bites, areas of eczema, and

rashes

caused by allergic reactions or poison ivy. Keep these areas clean and

covered.

Anyone in your family with impetigo should keep fingernails cut short and

the impetigo sores covered with gauze and tape.

Prevent impetigo infection from spreading among family members by using

antibacterial soap and making sure that each family member uses a separate

towel.

If necessary, substitute paper towels for cloth ones until the impetigo is

gone. Separate the infected person's bed linens, towels, and clothing from

those of other family members, and wash these items in hot water.

When to Call the Doctor

Call the doctor if your child has signs of impetigo, especially if he or she

has been exposed to a family member or classmate with the infection. If your

child is already being treated for impetigo, keep an eye on the sores and

call the doctor if the skin doesn't begin to heal after 3 days of treatment or

if a fever develops. If the area around the rash becomes red, warm, or tender

to the touch, notify the doctor as soon as possible.

Reviewed by: _Kate M. Cronan, MD_

(http://kidshealth.org/parent/misc/reviewers.html)

Date reviewed: October 2005

Carol

Trishasmom

She isn't typical, She's Trisha!

**************Start the year off right. Easy ways to stay in shape.

http://body.aol.com/fitness/winter-exercise?NCID=aolcmp00300000002489

January 16, 2008

In a message dated 1/16/2008 3:33:55 P.M. Eastern Standard Time,

melissad@... writes:

Has anyone's kiddos had impetigo? What is the treatment?

My husband noticed on Angie's face this past Saturday spots, the

thought they were chicken pox, but she was vaccinated, and I know that

is only about 70% effective. Anyways, they looked like little pimples.

They went down and are still there on her nose and around her bottom.

Preschool called today saying it was crusting and oozing and she

thought it was impetigo. So, I am waiting for grandma to come over so

I can borrow her car to take Angie to the doc. We're down to 1 car,

the other is in the shop. But, does this sound like impetigo?

Yea, anti-biotic ointment, and NO EXPOSURE to other kids. In other words,

you can't send her to school. In bad cases, oral antibiotics are needed.

It's bacterial, and in the strep family.....not fun.

Donna

**************Start the year off right. Easy ways to stay in shape.

http://body.aol.com/fitness/winter-exercise?NCID=aolcmp00300000002489

January 16, 2008

Yup. Both of my kids have had it. It is highly contagious, but I forget

what the treatment is. You might try web md.

_____

From: [mailto: ] On Behalf

Of Soracco

Sent: Wednesday, January 16, 2008 2:26 PM

To:

Subject: impetigo