Impetigo is a common bacterial skin infection that can affect anyone. It most commonly affects about 10% of children between the ages of 2-5yrs, but adults can get it too. Impetigo is highly contagious so it’s important to get treatment to prevent it from spreading and causing more problems. In this article, we’ll go over impetigo treatment options.
What is Impetigo?
Impetigo is a bacterial skin infection caused by Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes. It’s a very common condition, particularly in children. Impetigo is most commonly found around the nose and mouth but can be found in other areas of the body. It is identified with its distinctive honey-colored crust appearance. The infection can spread quickly to different body parts and other people through direct contact with the infected person or their belongings (i.e. towels).
What causes Impetigo?
The bacteria that causes impetigo is already on your skin. It can enter the body through a break in the skin such as a cut or scratch. Poor hygiene such as not washing your hands, crowded living conditions and warm weather can also spread impetigo.
NOTE: impetigo is not caused by poor hygiene alone. However, good hygiene practices such as washing your hands regularly, keeping your skin clean and dry and not sharing personal items like towels and clothing can help prevent impetigo.
Types of Impetigo
There are three types of impetigo: non-bullous impetigo, bullous impetigo, and ecthyma.
- Non-bullous impetigo (crusted impetigo) is the most common and is characterized by small blisters that burst and leave behind a honey-colored crust. It usually affects the face, arms and legs.
- Bullous impetigo is less common and is characterized by larger blisters filled with fluid. It usually affects the trunk of the body.
- Ecthyma is a rare form of impetigo. It’s a more severe form that affects the deeper layers of the skin. It’s characterized by painful, fluid-filled sores that turn into deep ulcers. Ecthyma can cause scarring and needs to be treated promptly.
Is Impetigo Contagious?
Impetigo is highly contagious and requires treatment to avoid spreading it. Without treatment, it can be contagious for weeks. After starting treatment, the rash usually stops being contagious after 48 hours.
Can Adults get Impetigo?
Adults can get impetigo, but it’s much more common in children. Avoid direct contact with others until 48 hours after starting antibiotics to avoid spreading it.
Potential Complications
Impetigo typically heals without problem, but in rare cases it can lead to complications such as cellulitis, kidney problems, septicemia (bacterial infection of the blood), and scarring.
How do you Treat Impetigo?
Impetigo treatment depends on the severity of the infection. Mild impetigo can be treated with topical antibiotic creams or ointments. More severe cases may need oral antibiotics. If you have impetigo, seek treatment as soon as possible to prevent the infection from spreading. Make sure to finish the entire course of antibiotics as prescribed by your doctor to ensure the infection is fully treated.
Antibacterial creams
You’ll need prescription antibiotic medication to treat most forms of impetigo. That said, non-prescription (over-the-counter) antibacterial creams “may” be effective for mild impetigo that hasn’t spread. Antibiotic cream or ointment containing bacitracin may effectively treat minor impetigo.
Your doctor may prescribe a topical antibiotic (mupirocin) cream or ointment if the infection is mild or localized. This is applied directly to the affected area.
The Cleveland Clinic recommends the following skincare steps:
- Dab the infected skin with warm soapy water to gently remove crusts.
- Apply a thin layer of antibiotic cream as instructed.
- Place a bandage over the infected area. This will help promote healing and prevent the infection from spreading.
- Wash your hands before and after you touch your skin.
If your symptoms don’t start to improve within a few days, make an online dermatology appointment with Piction Health to explore prescription treatment options.
Oral Antibiotics
If the infection is moderate to severe or widespread, your doctor may prescribe oral antibiotics such as cephalosporins, amoxicillin-clavulanate, or dicloxacillin. These will kill the bacteria and prevent the infection from spreading. Be sure to take as directed and finish the entire course even if you start to feel better.
Healing Time
Improvement is usually seen within days of beginning prescription treatment, but usually requires 7-10 days of treatment. The sores may take a few weeks to heal completely. The good news is the infection rarely leaves permanent scars.
When to Return to School/Work
Impetigo is very contagious. Your child should stay home from school for 48 hours after starting the antibiotic. Adults can continue work, but avoid direct contact.
How to Prevent Impetigo?
It’s important to prevent the spread of impetigo. One of the best ways to prevent impetigo is to practice good hygiene:
- Wash your hands regularly. Use an alcohol-based sanitizer if you don’t have soap and water. Bathe regularly.
- Disinfect surfaces frequently touched like doorknobs, light switches and countertops. The bacteria that cause impetigo can live on dry surfaces for weeks or even months.
- Avoid scratching. Do not scratch cuts or wounds. If you or your child gets a cut, scratch or wound, avoid touching it as much as possible. Clip your (and your child’s) fingernails regularly to avoid scratching.
- Clean wounds: Clean cuts, scrapes and injuries with soap and water.
- Keep linens clean: Wash underwear, towels and sheets in hot water.
- Wash or disinfect toys touched by someone with impetigo.
- Don’t share personal items like towels, razors or clothing as this can increase your risk of getting infected.
When to See a Doctor
If you or someone you know has impetigo and has symptoms like fever, swelling or redness that spreads beyond the affected area, see a doctor immediately. These are signs of a more severe infection that needs to be treated ASAP.
In addition, seek medical attention if you suspect you have impetigo or have been in close contact with someone with the infection. Your doctor can prescribe antibiotics or other treatments to clear up the infection and prevent it from spreading.
PICTION HEALTH VIRTUAL DERMATOLOGY
For convenient access to professional dermatology care, visit Piction Health's online dermatology platform. Our board-certified dermatologists are ready to provide personalized guidance for your dermatology concerns. We accept most insurance and self-pay. Schedule an online dermatology consultation today to take the first step towards healthier, happier skin.
FAQ
Q: What is impetigo?
A: Impetigo is a common bacterial skin infection caused by Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes. It often appears as a honey-colored crust around the nose and mouth but can affect other areas of the body. It is highly contagious and can spread through direct contact with an infected person or their belongings.
Q: How can impetigo be treated?
A: Treatment for impetigo depends on the severity of the infection. Mild cases can often be treated with topical antibiotic creams or ointments, while more severe cases may require oral antibiotics.
Q: Is impetigo contagious?
A: Yes, impetigo is highly contagious and can easily spread to others. Without treatment, it can remain contagious for weeks. After starting antibiotic treatment, the rash typically ceases to be contagious after 48 hours.
Q: How can I prevent impetigo?
A: Preventing impetigo involves practicing good hygiene. Regularly wash your hands, disinfect frequently touched surfaces, avoid scratching wounds, and keep linens clean. Do not share personal items like towels or clothing, as this can spread the infection.
Q: When should I see a doctor for impetigo?
A:You should see a doctor if you suspect you have impetigo or notice symptoms such as fever, swelling, or redness that spreads beyond the affected area.
Q: Where can I get treatment?
A: Piction Health, an online dermatology practice, accepts most insurance and self-pay options. They can assist you in navigating your acne treatment options.
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References
- https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15134-impetigo
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/mupirocin-topical-route/proper-use/drg-20064924?p=1
- https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/understanding-impetigo-basics
Disclaimer
The information provided on this medical blog is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. While we strive for accuracy, medical knowledge constantly evolves, and individual health situations vary. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read on this blog. The authors and publishers of this blog are not responsible for any adverse effects or consequences resulting from using any suggestions, products, or procedures discussed in this blog.
