How to Recognize the Symptoms of Impetigo

Impetigo is a skin condition which is often associated with poor living conditions. Common culprits include overcrowding and malnutrition. Impetigo is most likely to manifest itself in warm weather and usually strikes children, although in the absence of good hygiene, it may spread to the adults in the family as well. Impetigo usually begins as a blister on the lip, which may be mistaken for a cold sore. The blister breaks fairly quickly and a crust forms over the raw sore. The sore may ooze clear or yellowish liquid. Since impetigo can mimic other conditions that do not require treatment, it is important to learn how to recognize the symptoms.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Antibiotics such as erythromycin or penicillin (prescribed by your physician)
• Topical antibiotic ointment
• Soap and washcloth
• Mild over the counter painkillers
• Antibacterial soap for hand washing

Recognize the Symptoms of Impetigo And Treat The Sores

1. Look carefully at your child's face and body for rashes, blisters, bumps, or sores, especially sores covered with a thick golden crust or oozing clear to honey-colored fluid.

2. Watch your child for behavioral symptoms such as scratching or rubbing a rash, complaining of pain, burning, or itching anywhere on the skin, attempting to cover a sore with make-up (especially common among teen girls) or trying to talk without moving the lips because speech is painful.

3. Take your child to the doctor for diagnosis and treatment such as oral/and or topical antibiotics and medication for pain or itching.

4. Make sure your child takes all of his or her prescribed antibiotics, even if the sores improve in a few days. Taking only a day or two of antibiotics will not fully treat the underlying infection and the sores may reappear.

5. Wash the sores daily with mild soap and a soft wash cloth to clean away the crust. A mild painkiller given about an hour before you plan to wash the sores may help lessen your child's discomfort.

6. Treat the sores daily with a topical antibiotic cream to attack the bacteria. Many antibiotic creams are available over the counter, but some require a doctor's prescription.

7. Use antibacterial soap to wash your own hands when you are finished treating your child's sores. This will keep you from getting the infection as well as prevent you from spreading it to people with whom you come into contact.

Tips & Warnings

• Impetigo may be caused by two kinds of bacteria: Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes. It usually begins when these bacteria enter the skin through a cut or a sore.
• Impetigo is very contagious.
• Babies with impetigo can develop serious health complications and should be taken to the doctor immediately.
• Usually impetigo affects only the epidermis, the top layer of skin. If you or your child develops deep ulcers or swollen lymph glands, you may have contracted a rare but more serious form of impetigo called ecthymia. See your doctor as soon as possible.

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