Impetigo is a highly contagious skin infection mostly affecting children between ages 2-5, causing red, itchy sores that can spread from person to person. There are several types of impetigo including ecthyma, impetigo contagiosa, and bullous impetigo. The bacteria Staphylococcus aureus and streptococcus pyogenes cause impetigo by entering through cuts or wounds. Symptoms include itchy rashes, skin lesions, swollen lymph nodes, and painful open sores or blisters. Impetigo is diagnosed through examination and testing of fluid samples. Treatment focuses on prevention of spreading and includes antibacterial ointments, oral medications, and cleaning affected areas.

2. Impetigo is a highly communicable skin
infection that mostly affects the children,
but can also occur in adults. Impetigo is
also known as Infantigo. Children between
the ages of 2-5 years are at greater risk of
developing impetigo. Impetigo results in
the formation of red, itchy sores that can
occur anywhere in the body. Impetigo can
easily spread from an infected person to a
healthy person.

3. Ecthyma- This is a more severe form of
Impetigo as it affects deeper layers of the skin.
There are extremely painful boils that may
develop into open sores.
Impetigo contagiosa- This is the most
contagious and common type of Impetigo in
children. The lumps in this type are very itchy,
but may not be painful.
Bullous Impetigo- This form of impetigo is
common among the children under the age of
two. The red and itchy lumps generally appear
on the arms and legs.

4. The bacteria Staphylococcus aureus and
streptococcus pygoenes are cause impetigo.
These bacteria enter the body through a cut or
a wound. Sometimes impetigo is caused as a
result of already present skin infection such
as dermatitis. A healthy person becomes
infected by coming in direct contact with the
blister or using infected person’s items such
as towel, sheets, or a razor. Insect bites or
animal bites can also result in the
development of this skin infection.

5. Signs and symptoms of Impetigo depends
upon its types. The scars due to impetigo can
be emotionally distressing, particularly if they
are present on the face. Symptoms of Impetigo
are:
 Itchy rashes
 Skin lesions
 Swollen lymph nodes
 Spreading of lump to other skin areas
 Open Sores with a yellow crust
 Accumulation of fluids in the lumps
 Painful blisters

6. A dermatologist usually diagnoses
Impetigo by looking at it. Tell your doctor
about the symptoms you have been
experiencing. A doctor may also take a pus
sample from the Impetigo. This sample is
observed in the lab to determine causative
agent. The reports of the lab test will help
in determining the suitable treatment of
Impetigo.

7. The goal of the treatment of Impetigo is to prevent
the infection from spreading further and reverse
the affect of unfavourable scarring. The mild
symptoms of Impetigo are easily treatable by
taking hygienic measures. For the treatment of
mild symptoms, a dermatologist may prescribe
antibacterial ointment which should be applied
directly onto the affected area. Oral medications
are given to a patient with Impetigo. This oral
medicine prevents the infection from developing
into the blood. It is also recommended to wash
affected areas with antibacterial soap. Avoid
touching affected area and always wash hands
before eating anything and after using the
bathroom.

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