Impetigo

Skin infections are common throughout life and can affect almost anyone. Most infections are self-limited and resolve on their own, especially in healthy individuals without any other health conditions or weakened immune systems. However, some infections can spread and require medical attention. Skin infections can be caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites.

Impetigo is a skin infection that is caused by a bacterium called Staphylococcus aureus. Impetigo is a type of “staph” infection and usually occurs in warm and humid conditions. The infection can also be caused by either another bacterium called Streptococcus group A, or “strep bacteria,” or by both bacteria together. Impetigo is also called pyoderma or impetigo contagiosium. This infection usually affects children under the age of five, but it can also affect older children and adults. The infection starts when bacteria get into healthy skin through scrapes, minor cuts, cracks of dry skin, bug bites, or when skin is inflamed from another skin condition like eczema or psoriasis. Impetigo is highly contagious and can spread through close contact, within family members, or within sports team members.

What are the symptoms?

Impetigo causes red bumps and blisters with a yellow-gold crust often on the skin of the face, arms, or legs. Sometimes the blisters become painful sores that take a long time to heal. Presence of fever, unrelenting pain, severe redness and swelling, or loss of appetite are worrisome signs that need immediate medical attention.

What is the treatment?

Diagnosis of impetigo is through clinical exam and treatment options include topical creams, ointments, and oral antibiotics. A bacterial culture and sensitivity swab can be done to identify the specific type of bacterial causing the infection to ensure the proper treatment plan is chosen.

Topical antibiotics in an ointment or cream form, such mupirocin (Bactroban) or retapamulin (Altabax), are sufficient for superficial or limited infections. Oral antibiotics are prescribed for widespread infection, if the infection is deeper in the skin, or if the infection is not responding to topical treatment. It is important to complete the prescribed treatment regimen for the full duration even if your skin clears up sooner to prevent recurrence of the infection or development of resistance to antibiotics.

How do I prevent impetigo?

• Take the following precautions to prevent spread of impetigo and other skin infections.
• Wash your hands with soap and water regularly or use alcohol-based sanitizer if water is not available. Do not share personal items such as hairbrushes or combs, makeup brushes, towels, clothes, or bedding especially when infection is active.
• Wash and dry towels and bed linens on a high heat setting.
• Cover up the infected parts of your skin to prevent spread of infection. Accidental touching or scratching of infected skin before touching unaffected skin can cause spread of infection to other parts of your body or to others.
• Always use disposable tissue paper to blow your nose, cough, or sneeze, especially when you have impetigo on your face and wash your hands immediately after.

For recurrent infections, or for impetigo that is worsening despite treatment, contact our dermatologists. You might have another skin problem that looks like impetigo, or you have underlying skin disorder like eczema that is interfering with your skin’s ability to heal.