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mpetigo is a highly contagious, unsightly skin infection caused by the streptococcus and staphylococcus bacteria. The medical term for this condition, appropriately, is impetigo contagiosa.

Impetigo appears as thick, stuck-on, honey-colored crusts usually around the nostrils and mouth, although any portion of the skin surface may be affected. It occurs primarily in children, but adults can fall victim, too, usually by direct contact with infected children

Impetigo begins on damaged skin, when the outer protective layers are injured and the normal resistance of the skin is lowered. This damage can be a result of cuts, bruises, insect bites, or other skin diseases, such as chicken pox, cold sores, or acne. Healthy skin seems to act as a barrier to suppress these harmful bacteria.

The mouth and nose, which suffer constant rubbing and wiping, are the prime areas on which impetigo begins. The infectious germs are carried to other parts of the body by dirty fingers and fingernails and by unclean towels, utensils, and clothing. These germs can also spread to other people who have direct contact with infected persons, especially through kissing, wrestling, or other such contact sports.

Once impetigo takes hold, it spreads very easily - even to normal healthy skin - and may last for several weeks. If not controlled, it can lead to internal infections accompanied by fever, fatigue, and swollen lymph glands.

Those infected with impetigo should seek prompt medical attention. A doctor's care can help prevent generalized spread, especially to other members of the family and friends, and possibly prevent the serious internal complications that may arise, such as kidney infections.

Treatment consists of gently removing the crusts and thoroughly cleansing the affected areas four times daily with a good antibacterial soap, such as Dial or Safeguard. If the crusts stick stubbornly to the underlying skin, you may need to apply warm water compresses to lift them off.

After each thorough washing, rub an antibiotic ointment, such as Polysporin, (I do not recommend any ointments that have neomycin in them, such as Neosporin, as they are great sensitizing agents and can cause allergic rashes) into the affected areas. Do not cover the area with bandages or gauze. Exposure to air will help kill many types of germs and speed the healing process.

If the condition appears extensive and severe, see your physician.

The following are some additional measures that help eliminate impetigo and prevent its spread:

• Wash hands thoroughly and frequently with an antibacterial soap.

• Avoid touching sores as infection can spread easily to other parts of your body.

• Keep fingernails trimmed and scrupulously clean at all times.

• Change your towels daily.

• Since impetigo is contagious, avoid close contact with friends and relatives, and keep the children home during the acute, crusted stage of the disease.

• Continue treatment for seven to ten days after all the crusts are gone.

If the lesions persist after several days of treatment, contact your physician for further treatment. This treatment may include an oral antibiotic or a penicillin injection.

For further information about impetigo, log on to: www.aad.org 1-888-462-DERM x22

RECAP

• Impetigo is a highly contagious, unsightly skin infection caused by the streptococcus and staphylococcus bacteria.

• Impetigo appears as thick, stuck-on, honey-colored crusts usually around the nostrils and mouth, although any portion of the skin surface may be affected.

• If the lesions persist after several days of treatment, contact your physician for further treatment. This treatment may include an oral antibiotic or a penicillin injection.

TREATING IMPETIGO

Wash the affected areas thoroughly 3 or 4 times daily with an antibacterial soap.
Dial Soap
Safeguard Soap

After washing thoroughly, gently remove any loosely attached crusts. This is best done with clean, washed tweezers. Then apply one of the following antibacterial ointments 3 times daily:
Polysporin Ointment
Bacitracin Ointment

Note: Many people are, or become allergic to, these ointments. So be watchful.
I ordinarily do not recommend these, but if you can see a dermatologist, or a pediatrician for this problem, I would recommend Bactroban Cream or Ointment. These are prescription items.