Impetigo is the Streptococcal infection of the skin.
The bacteria
colonize torn epidermal tissue. This is usually seen in
children age 2 to 6, and it is highly contagious.
Impetigo is similar to NF only less virulent. This infection can
also occur with Staphylococcal bacteria instead of Streptococcal.
There are two types of impetigo: bullous and non-bullous. Non-bullous is the more common form. Bullous form is caused by strains of bacteria that produce a potent toxin.
What are the symptoms of Impetigo?
Non-bullous impetigo:
Bullous impetigo:
How is Impetigo transmitted?
It is important to keep practicing good hygiene. The bacteria reside on epidermal tissue as well as within mucus. Someone carrying Streptococcal bacteria can transmit the bacteria to another person through direct skin to skin contact, through mucus to skin contact via a sneeze or cough, or through inanimate objects. If the new host touches an open wound on his body, the bacteria take up residence.
If a person infected with Streptococcal bacteria washes his hands often, the bacteria are washed away. If a person washing out all cuts with soap or disinfectant, infection can be avoided. If a person infected with strep throat is not treated, he will continue to be contagious for two to three weeks.
How is Impetigo treated?
Mild cases of impetigo can be treated by washing the sores with antibacterial soaps, but penicillin, cephalexin, or amoxicillin are the most common antibiotics used to treat impetigo. Treatment must continue until the end of the prescription. While Streptococcus has not become antibiotic resistant yet, it has shown antibiotic tolerance.
There are two types of impetigo: bullous and non-bullous. Non-bullous is the more common form. Bullous form is caused by strains of bacteria that produce a potent toxin.
What are the symptoms of Impetigo?
Non-bullous impetigo:
- Small blisters or scabs, which then form yellow or honey-colored crusts, around the nose and on the face
Bullous impetigo:
- Blisters that break and leave red, raw skin with a ragged edge
How is Impetigo transmitted?
It is important to keep practicing good hygiene. The bacteria reside on epidermal tissue as well as within mucus. Someone carrying Streptococcal bacteria can transmit the bacteria to another person through direct skin to skin contact, through mucus to skin contact via a sneeze or cough, or through inanimate objects. If the new host touches an open wound on his body, the bacteria take up residence.
If a person infected with Streptococcal bacteria washes his hands often, the bacteria are washed away. If a person washing out all cuts with soap or disinfectant, infection can be avoided. If a person infected with strep throat is not treated, he will continue to be contagious for two to three weeks.
How is Impetigo treated?
Mild cases of impetigo can be treated by washing the sores with antibacterial soaps, but penicillin, cephalexin, or amoxicillin are the most common antibiotics used to treat impetigo. Treatment must continue until the end of the prescription. While Streptococcus has not become antibiotic resistant yet, it has shown antibiotic tolerance.