Impetigo: What Causes Those Annoying Red Bumps and How to Treat Them

What Is Impetigo?

Impetigo is a highly contagious skin infection caused by bacteria, usually Staphylococcus aureus. It leads to red sores or blisters, typically on the face, arms, and legs of children. Impetigo often starts with a minor skin injury like a cut, insect bite, or scrape that gives bacteria an opening to enter the skin.

The characteristic symptom of impetigo is red, oozing blisters or sores that rupture easily. The fluid from these blisters is filled with bacteria, which causes the infection to spread rapidly to other areas of the skin or other people. Impetigo usually begins with a patch of red, irritated skin that quickly develops into blisters. The blisters then burst open, crust over, and cause the telltale honey-colored scabs.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Impetigo is diagnosed based on a visual exam of the characteristic blisters and scabs. A sample of the fluid or crust may be tested to determine the bacteria responsible, which helps guide treatment. Impetigo is typically treated with topical or oral antibiotics, such as mupirocin ointment, fusidic acid cream, or oral dicloxacillin. Cleaning the area and keeping blisters covered can help prevent spread of infection. Over-the-counter antibiotic ointments and creams can be used for mild cases.

To prevent impetigo, practice good hygiene like washing hands and any skin injury. Keep children’s nails trimmed and clean. Use an antibacterial ointment on cuts, insect bites, and any breaks in the skin. Teach children not to scratch scabs or pick at scabs, which can lead to infection and spread. If one family member has impetigo, check others for symptoms so it can be treated right away.

Common Causes and Risk Factors for Impetigo

Impetigo is usually caused by one of two types of bacteria: Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes. These bacteria enter through breaks in the skin, like cuts, insect bites, or rashes. Impetigo tends to affect children more often, especially during warm, humid summer months when these bacteria thrive.

Several factors put kids at higher risk of developing impetigo:

  1. Close contact with someone who has impetigo. The bacteria that cause impetigo are highly contagious and spread through direct contact with infected skin or contaminated items.
  2. Eczema, insect bites, or other skin conditions that cause breaks in the skin. The bacteria enter through these openings.
  3. Playing in crowded, unhygienic areas. Gyms, locker rooms, and daycares increase exposure to the bacteria.
  4. Poor hygiene like not regularly washing hands or bathing. Keeping skin clean is one of the best ways to avoid infection.
  5. Weakened immune system. Kids with chronic illnesses or who take immunosuppressant drugs are more prone to skin infections.
  6. Warm, humid weather. The bacteria thrive in hot, sweaty environments.
  7. Crowding or poor living conditions. Impetigo tends to affect more people in close quarters with limited access to healthcare.

The good news is impetigo is usually not serious and clears up quickly with treatment. Keeping the area clean, using antibiotic ointments, and avoiding close contact with others can help get rid of impetigo fast. See a doctor for oral antibiotics if the rash is severe, painful, or does not start improving within a week.

Recognizing the Symptoms of Impetigo

Recognizing the symptoms of impetigo early on can help get treatment started right away and avoid complications.

The most common symptoms to keep an eye out for are:

1. Red, painful blisters

Impetigo causes blisters that start out looking like insect bites. They quickly fill with fluid and become painful, red bumps. The blisters usually form around the nose and mouth, but can appear anywhere on the body.

2. Honey-colored crusts

The blisters will burst after a few days, leaving behind honey-colored crusts. These crusts stick to the skin and continue to ooze fluid. They often look like they’re “stuck on” to the skin. The crusts can be itchy, but try not to scratch them off.

3. Swollen lymph nodes

As your body fights the infection, the lymph nodes closest to the sores may become swollen and tender. The lymph nodes in the neck may swell if the sores are on the face. Swollen lymph nodes are a sign your body is mounting an immune response.

If you or your child develop symptoms of impetigo, see your doctor. They can examine the sores, crusts and lymph nodes to determine if it’s truly impetigo or another skin infection. Impetigo is usually diagnosed based on the appearance and location of the sores. In some cases, a culture of the fluid from a blister may be taken to identify the bacteria causing the infection.

Early treatment of impetigo is important to avoid complications like cellulitis, scarring, or a kidney inflammation called post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis. Treatment is usually a course of oral antibiotics, as well as keeping the sores clean and covered. With proper treatment, impetigo clears up within 7 to 10 days.

Treatment Options for Impetigo: Antibiotics, Home Remedies and Prevention

Impetigo is typically treated with a course of oral or topical antibiotics to clear the infection and prevent its spread. The specific treatment will depend on factors like the severity of your infection and your overall health.

1. Oral Antibiotics

For severe or widespread cases, your doctor will likely prescribe an oral antibiotic like amoxicillin to treat the infection from within. Amoxicillin is usually taken for 7 to 10 days to completely eliminate the infection. Other options include cephalexin, clindamycin, and erythromycin. Be sure to take the full course of antibiotics as prescribed to avoid the infection coming back.

2. Topical Antibiotics

For milder infections, your doctor may prescribe an antibiotic ointment or cream to apply directly to the sores 3-4 times a day. Common options include mupirocin or fusidic acid. The ointment will help clear the infection and promote healing. Use as directed until the sores have completely healed over.

3. Home Remedies

Some simple home remedies may help relieve symptoms as the infection heals. Applying a warm compress 3-4 times a day can help draw the infection out and soothe the skin. Keeping the area clean and applying petroleum jelly or aloe vera gel can aid healing and prevent cracking. Over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream can help with inflammation and itching.

To avoid another bout of impetigo, practice good hygiene like hand washing, keeping wounds clean and covered, and avoiding close contact with infected individuals. Teach children not to scratch at scabs or sores and to wash hands frequently, especially after contact with infected areas. See your doctor right away if symptoms return or do not start to clear up within a week of starting treatment.

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Conclusion

With the proper treatment, impetigo can usually be cleared up within a week or two. Be patient through the healing process and keep the area clean and moisturized. If symptoms worsen or spread, contact your doctor for an alternative treatment.

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