It's normal for your little one to get a little cut or a little wound while running around and playing. But what if after a few days, the cut turns red, looks like a blister, bursts, and then turns yellow and crusts over like dried honey? Then we need to be a little concerned. We're going to talk about a skin infection that many parents are a little afraid of, but can be cured quickly if treated properly. That's impetigo.
Simply put, what is Impetigo?
Impetigo is a bacterial infection of the skin . It is most common in young children, especially those between the ages of 2 and 5. However, it can also occur in adults. It is more common in countries with hot, humid climates like ours.
Imagine your child has a small cut, an animal bite, or a mosquito bite. Most often, this infection starts when bacteria enter through that opening in the skin. But sometimes it can develop even on healthy skin that doesn't have any wounds. These sores usually start on the face, nose, and around the mouth. They can then spread to the arms, legs, and scalp.
What are the main types of impetigo?
There are three main types of this disease. They differ slightly in appearance and severity. Let's understand these types clearly with the help of a table.
| Type of impetigo | Appearance and characteristics | Important points |
|---|---|---|
| Non-bullous Impetigo | First, one or more small red sores appear. These quickly burst. The skin at the site of the sore appears red. Later, a yellow-brown, honey-colored crust forms over these sores. | This is the most common type. It usually heals without leaving any scars. Lymph nodes (swelling) near the wound may become swollen. |
| Bullous Impetigo | Large, fluid-filled blisters form on the skin. The skin around these blisters is usually not red. The blisters clear up, shrink, and burst within a few days. Then a crust forms. | This type is most common in infants and young children under 2 years of age. It also usually does not leave scars. |
| Ecthyma | This is a more serious type. Painful blisters form, which turn into open sores that go deep into the skin. Thick crusts form, and the skin around the sores looks red. | This occurs if other types are not treated properly. Because the infection goes deep into the skin, it can leave scars after healing. |
Is this contagious? How is it transmitted?
Yes, impetigo is a highly contagious disease. That's why we need to be very careful about it.
- Skin-to-skin contact: The disease is most commonly spread through direct contact with the sores and blisters of an infected person. This can easily spread when children play together or fight.
- Through sharing items: The virus can be transmitted by using items such as towels, clothes, bedding, and toys used by an infected person.
- From nasal and throat secretions: Sometimes, there is a possibility of transmission by touching secretions from the nose or throat of an infected person.
The important thing is that this disease can be contagious for weeks until treatment begins. The risk of transmission decreases after two days (48 hours) of starting treatment (especially antibiotics).
What bacteria causes this?
This is mainly caused by two types of bacteria.
1. Staphylococcus aureus (Staphylococcus aureus or "staph"): This bacterium is the most common cause of 80% of non-bullous infections.
2. Group A streptococcus (Group A streptococcus or "strep"): This is responsible for about the remaining 10%.
These bacteria can normally live on the surface of our skin. But the infection only starts when they enter through a cut or scratch on the skin. Also, when a child with diseases like eczema or chickenpox scratches those areas, the skin is damaged and the bacteria are more likely to enter.
What are the common symptoms of impetigo?
Check if your child has these symptoms:
- The first signs are red, itchy sores .
- These sores quickly turn into fluid-filled blisters .
- The blisters burst easily.
- A yellow or brown fluid oozes from the blister, which dries and forms a honey-colored crust . This is the main and most characteristic sign of impetigo.
- The skin around the wound becomes red and raw.
- These lesions are most commonly seen on the face, nose, around the mouth, arms, and legs.
- Lymph nodes near the area of infection may become swollen .
When should I see a doctor? What are the treatments?
If you notice any of the above symptoms on your child's skin, see your doctor immediately. Only a doctor can accurately diagnose whether this is a simple scratch or impetigo.
Never go to the pharmacy to get medicine on your own. Incorrect treatment can make the condition worse.
The doctor will look at the wound to diagnose the infection. Sometimes, a small sample of the wound may be taken and sent to a lab to confirm the exact type of bacteria causing the infection.
Antibiotics are given as treatment.
1. Topical antibiotics: If the infection is limited to a small area, the doctor will prescribe an antibiotic cream or ointment (e.g. Mupirocin) to apply to the wound.
2. Oral antibiotics: If the sores have spread to a large area of the body, or if topical medications do not help, you will be given an oral antibiotic syrup or tablet.
The most important thing is to give your child the full course of medication prescribed by the doctor. Even if the wound appears to be healing, giving the medication for the full course will help to completely cure the infection and prevent recurrence and complications.
What can be done at home to treat and prevent it?
Along with medical treatment, there are several things you can do at home to help your child recover quickly and prevent spreading the infection to others.
Care that can be done at home:
- Cleaning the wound: Several times a day, gently wash and remove any crusts from the wound using lukewarm water and antibacterial soap. This will help the medicated cream absorb into the skin better.
- Covering the wound: After applying the medication, cover the wound with a non-stick bandage. This will prevent the wound from itching and spreading to other areas and to others.
- Trimming nails: Keep your child's nails short. This will reduce the risk of injury to the skin if they are scratched.
- Hand washing: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after touching your child's wounds and after applying medicine. Teach your child to wash their hands regularly as well.
Prevention and relapse prevention:
- Personal hygiene: It is very important to bathe the child daily and keep hands clean.
- Separate items: When your child has impetigo, separate the towels, clothes, and bedding they use. Wash them in hot water after use.
- Keeping wounds clean: As soon as your child gets a small cut or scrape, wash it with soap and water, apply antibiotic cream, and cover it with a bandage.
- Schooling: Do not send your child to school or daycare for at least 48 hours after starting antibiotic treatment. Also, avoid swimming pools and public bathing areas during this time.
Take-Home Message
- Impetigo is a common, but highly contagious , bacterial skin infection among young children.
- The main symptom of this disease is the "honey-colored crust" that forms on the wounds.
- If you notice any of these symptoms, don't panic, see a doctor immediately. Don't self-medicate.
- It is essential to take the antibiotic treatment prescribed by your doctor exactly for the prescribed period .
- As there is a risk of infection for the child for 48 hours after starting treatment, avoid sending them to school and socializing with other children.
- This disease can be prevented by good personal hygiene and proper care of wounds after they occur.
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