Impetigo is a common bacterial skin infection caused by group A streptococcus or staphylococcus aureus. It is a highly contagious disease, but is most common among children from 2-6 years of age. Children may be more likely to develop impetigo if the skin has already been irritated or injured by other skin problems, such as eczema, poison ivy, insect bites, or a skin allergy to soap or makeup.

There are two types of impetigo: Non-bullous and bullous.

• Non-bullous impetigo is more common, causing about 70% of all impetigo infections. It occurs mainly on the face or limbs and appears to have a thick “honey-colored” crust.
• Bullous impetigo occurs mainly with newborns and young children, and forms blisters primarily on the face, hands, and buttocks. Both types of impetigo, fortunately, heal without scarring.

Signs and Symptoms of Impetigo

• Impetigo starts as a red sore that quickly ruptures, oozes for a few days and then forms a yellowish-brown crust that looks like honey or brown sugar.
• Scratching or touching the sores is likely to spread the infection to other parts of the body.

Prevention and Treatment of Impetigo

• Good hygiene practices, such as regular hand washing, can help prevent impetigo.
• Topical antibiotics are usually to treat impetigo. An antiseptic (povidone iodine, hydrogen peroxide cream, chlorhexidine and others) or antibiotic ointment (fucidic acid or mupirocin) is prescribed; apply it at least three times a day to the affected areas and surrounding skin until the problems are gone.
• Oral antibiotics are recommended if the infection is extensive, proving slow to respond to topical antibiotics.
• Minor cuts and scrapes should be thoroughly cleansed with soap and clean water. Impetigo is contagious, so avoid touching the draining (oozing) lesions. Always use a clean washcloth and towel each time.
• Do not share towels, clothing, razors, and so on with other family members.
• Change and launder clothes and linen daily to avoid spreading to others.
• Affected children must stay away from school until crusts have dried out