Impetigo
A superficial skin infection, most commonly found in childhood, that is caused by streptococcal or staphlococcal bacteria. Impetigo should be treated as soon as possible to avoid spreading the infection to other children and to prevent a rare complication—a form of kidney disease called acute glomerulonephritis.
Cause
Impetigo is spread by touching and usually is found on exposed body areas such as the legs, face, and arms. Because impetigo is spread quickly through play groups and day care, children with the infection should be kept away from playmates and out of school until the sores disappear.
Symptoms
The condition starts as tiny, almost imperceptible blisters on a child’s skin, usually at the site of a skin abrasion, scratch, or insect bite. Most lesions occur on exposed areas, such as the face, scalp, and extremities. The red and itchy sores blister briefly, then begin to ooze for the next few days, leaving a sticky crust. Untreated, the infection will last from two to three weeks. Impetigo is most common during hot, humid weather.
Treatment
Children with impetigo need immediate medical care to avoid spreading the infection to others. Medication includes dicloxacillin, cephalosporin, or erythromycin for 10 days, together with topical application of mupirocin ointment.
Complications
Rarely, impetigo can lead to possible kidney disease known as acute glomerulonephritis.
Prevention
Cleanliness and prompt attention to skin injuries can help prevent impetigo. Children with the condition and their families should bathe regularly with antibacterial soaps and apply topical antibiotics to insect bites, cuts, abrasions, and infected lesions immediately. Impetigo in infants is especially contagious and serious. To prevent spreading, pillowcases, towels, and washcloths should not be shared and should be boiled after each use.
