What is Impetigo in Children? Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis & Treatment


Impetigo is an infection of the skin. When it only affects the surface, it is called surface impetigo. Impetigo also affects the deeper parts of the skin. This is called eczema. It can occur on healthy skin. Or it can happen where the skin is cut, scratched, or injured by an insect bite.

Impetigo is most common in children ages 2 to 5. It is contagious.This means that it can be easily passed from one person to another. It can be spread around the house. Children can infect other family members and grow back on their own.

Symptoms

The classic signs and symptoms of impetigo are red sores that break open quickly, dissolve within a few days, and then form a yellowish-brown crust. The sores usually appear around the nose and mouth, but can spread to other parts of the body through fingers, clothing, and towels. The itching and pain are usually mild.

A less common form of the disorder, called bullous impetigo, can be large blisters that occur on the trunk of infants and young children. More severe impetigo  eczema penetrates deep into the skin - a painful fluid or pus-filled sores turn into deep ulcers.

Causes

Impetigo is an infection caused by a species of staph or streptococcus. These bacteria enter your body through breaks in the skin caused by cuts, scrapes, insect bites, or rashes. Then they can attack and colonize.

The situation is contagious. You can get this bacteria if you touch the sores of a person with impetigo or on items such as towels, clothes, or sheets that the person uses. However, these bacteria are also common in our environment, and most people do not necessarily develop the stimulus.

Some people usually carry congested bacteria inside their noses. If the bacteria spread to your skin, they can become infected.

If adults and children are at high risk for impetigo:

  • You have compromised immunity to HIV

  • It includes skin conditions such as eczema, dermatitis, or psoriasis.

  • There are sunburns or other burns.

  • Itchy infections such as lice, itching, herpes simplex, or chickenpox

  • Having insect bites or poison ivy

  • Do contact sports

  • Live in a hot and humid environment

  • Has diabetes

  • Undergo dialysis

Risk factors

Factors that increase the risk of impetigo:

  • Hot and humid climate: Impetigo infections are more common in the summer.

  • Some sports: Participation in skin-to-skin sports such as soccer or wrestling will increase your motivation.

  • Broken skin:. The bacteria that cause impetigo often get into your skin through a small sore on the skin, an insect bite, or a rash.

  • Years: Impetigo usually occurs in children 2 to 5 years of age.

  • Congestion conditions: Impetigo spreads easily in schools and child care settings.

Adults and people with diabetes or a weakened immune system are more likely to develop edema.

Diagnosis

Doctors usually confirm the motivation by looking at typical lesions. Laboratory tests are generally not necessary.

If the sores don't go away, even with antibiotics, your doctor can take a liquid sample from your throat and test it to see what kinds of antibiotics work best. Some types of bacteria that cause impetigo are resistant to certain antibiotics.

Treatment

The pediatrician will determine the specific treatment for impetigo based on the following criteria:

  • Edad del niño, salud general e historial médico

  • La amplitud de la situación

  • Tolerancia infantil a medicamentos, procedimientos o tratamientos específicos

  • Estimaciones del curso de la situación

  • La opinión o preferencia del niño o padre

Treatment may include:

  • Washing daily with antibacterial soap reduces the risk of infection

  • It is recommended that everyone in the household wash their hands (to help reduce the risk of infection)

  • Keeping a child's fingernails small reduces the risk of scratching and the spread of infection

  • Avoid sharing clothes, towels and other household items to prevent the spread of infection

  • Oral antibiotics (for several wounds)

  • The topical antibiotic is applied directly to the wound

Prevention

If the wounds cannot be covered reliably, children with the infection should no longer stay home until they are infected. Adults who work in closely related jobs should ask their doctor when it is safe to return to work.

There is no good hygiene. One way to avoid motivation. Follow these tips:

  • Do not touch or scratch open wounds. It spreads the infection.

  • Wash anything associated with impetigo sores in hot water and bleach.

  • Change bed linen, towels, and clothes that are often associated with sores, until the sores are no longer sticky.

  • Clean and disinfect surfaces, equipment, and toys associated with impetigo.

  • Don't share personal matters with a motivated person.

  • Bathe frequently and wash your hands to reduce bacteria on your skin.

  • Cover any skin lesions or insect bites to protect this area.

  • Cut your nails and keep them clean.

 

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