Impetigo is a common and highly contagious skin infection that primarily affects young children, though adults can get it too. It’s characterised by red sores that quickly rupture, ooze for a few days and then form a yellow-brown crust. Understanding impetigo treatment options is important to managing and curing this infection efficiently.
This article will discuss the best treatment options for impetigo and provide insight into impetigo symptoms, impetigo on the face, impetigo skin rash, types of impetigo and impetigo causes.
Understanding Impetigo
Before discussing impetigo treatment options, it’s essential to understand what impetigo is. Impetigo is mainly caused by two types of bacteria: Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes.
These bacteria can enter the skin through minor cuts, insect bites or other injuries. Impetigo is more common in warm, humid environments and tends to spread easily in places like schools and daycare centres.
There are two primary types of impetigo: non-bullous and bullous.
- Non-bullous Impetigo: This is the most common form, accounting for about 70% of cases. It starts as small red sores around the nose and mouth but can spread to other parts of the body through scratching or touching. These sores burst quickly, leaving behind a yellow-brown crust.
- Bullous Impetigo: Less common, this type primarily affects infants and children under two. It causes larger blisters filled with fluid that are less likely to burst. The blisters can occur anywhere on the body but are often found on the trunk.
What are the Symptoms of Impetigo?
Recognising impetigo symptoms early is important for prompt treatment. Symptoms typically appear four to ten days after exposure to the bacteria. Common symptoms include:
- Red sores or blisters that rupture, ooze and form a honey-coloured crust.
- Itching and soreness.
- Red rash, often seen on the face, especially around the nose and mouth, but can appear anywhere on the body.
- Swollen lymph nodes near the infected area.
Impetigo on the Face and Skin Rash
Impetigo often appears on the face, particularly around the mouth and nose, but it can spread to other parts of the body, leading to a widespread skin rash. The rash can be itchy and uncomfortable, causing children to scratch, which can spread the infection further.
How is Impetigo Caused?
Impetigo is primarily caused by the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes. The bacteria can enter the body through breaks in the skin, such as cuts, scrapes, insect bites or even through healthy skin. Factors that increase the risk of developing impetigo include:
- Direct contact with an infected person.
- Poor hygiene.
- Warm and humid climates.
- Existing skin conditions like eczema or insect bites.
Treatment Options for Impetigo
Treatment for impetigo aims to prevent the spread of infection, alleviate symptoms, prevent complications and reduce transmission. Here’s an overview of the treatment options typically used:
Topical Antibiotics
For mild impetigo, topical antibiotics are often the first line of treatment. Topical antibiotics are easy to apply and generally well-tolerated. Before applying, it’s essential to clean the affected area gently with soap and water These include:
- Mupirocin (Bactroban): Applied three times daily for about five days. It’s effective in killing the bacteria causing the infection.
- Retapamulin (Altabax): Used twice daily for five days. It’s another effective option for treating localised impetigo.
Oral Antibiotics
For more severe cases or when impetigo is widespread, oral antibiotics may be necessary. Oral antibiotics are typically prescribed for seven to ten days and it’s important to complete the full course even if symptoms improve early. Commonly prescribed oral antibiotics include:
- Cephalexin (Keflex): Effective against both Staphylococcus and Streptococcus bacteria.
- Dicloxacillin: Specifically targets Staphylococcus aureus.
- Clindamycin: Used for patients allergic to penicillin or for treating resistant bacteria.
Maintaining Hygiene
Proper hygiene practices are essential in managing impetigo. Keeping the affected areas clean and dry can help prevent the spread of infection to other parts of the body or to other people. Gently washing the affected areas with soap and water, followed by patting them dry and applying prescribed medications, is essential.
Covering the Sores
To prevent the spread of impetigo, especially in children, covering the sores with gauze or a loose dressing can be helpful. This also reduces the risk of scratching and further infection.
Avoiding Close Contact
Impetigo is highly contagious, so avoiding close contact with others, particularly in communal settings like schools and daycares, is essential until the sores are healed. Children with impetigo should stay home from school or daycare until they are no longer contagious.
Over-the-Counter Treatments
While antibiotics are the primary treatment, over-the-counter (OTC) options can help alleviate symptoms. These include antiseptic creams to keep the area clean and pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen to reduce discomfort.
Get Expert Impetigo Treatment Today
Impetigo is a common and contagious skin infection, but it is manageable with prompt and effective treatment. Understanding the types of impetigo, recognising impetigo symptoms and knowing the best treatment options are important steps in managing this condition. Whether it’s using topical or oral antibiotics, maintaining good hygiene or preventing close contact, each measure plays a vital role in treating and preventing impetigo.
If you or a loved one is dealing with impetigo, don’t wait to seek help. Get personalised advice and treatment options with an online consultation from Pharmacy To My Door. Our expert pharmacists are ready to assist you with effective impetigo treatment solutions, ensuring a quick and thorough recovery. Book your online consultation today.
