Is impetigo a virus bacteria or fungi?
Impetigo is an infection caused by strains of staph or strep bacteria. These bacteria can get into your body through a break in the skin from a cut, scratch, insect bite, or rash. Then they can invade and colonize. The condition can be contagious.
What is the scientific name for impetigo?
Nonbullous impetigo, also known as impetigo contagiosa, is the most common skin infection in children, accounting for approximately 10% of all cutaneous problems in pediatric clinics. It is more contagious than the bullous type. Common impetigo is the term applied when the infection occurs in preexisting wounds.
Is impetigo a systemic infection?
The rapid spread and satellite lesion formation follow self-inoculation, often in areas with no apparent break in the skin barrier. Mild regional lymphadenopathy is a common associated finding. Systemic symptoms such as fever are typically absent in nonbullous impetigo.
Can Neosporin treat impetigo?
Mild impetigo can be handled by gentle cleansing of the sores, removing crusts from the infected person, and applying the prescription-strength antibiotic ointment mupirocin (Bactroban). Nonprescription topical antibiotic ointments (such as Neosporin) generally are not effective.
What is the best antibiotic for impetigo?
Topical antibiotics such as mupirocin (Bactroban) and fusidic acid (not available in the United States) are the preferred first-line therapy for impetigo involving limited body surface area.
Do you need oral antibiotics for impetigo?
Most impetigo infections resolve without requiring antibiotics; however, to reduce the duration and spread of the disease, topical antibiotics are used. Oral antibiotics are generally reserved for patients with more severe or treatment-refractory infection (TABLES 2 and 3).
How long does it take to get rid of impetigo?
Impetigo is a skin infection that’s very contagious but not usually serious. It often gets better in 7 to 10 days if you get treatment.
How do you get rid of impetigo sores?
Gently wash the sores with soap and water each day. If crusts form, your doctor may advise you to soften or remove the crusts. You can do this by soaking them in warm water and patting them dry. This can help the cream or ointment treat impetigo.
Should you pick the crust of impetigo?
It is very important to remove all the crusts so the antibiotic ointment can get through to kill the germs. 5. You may have to rub the area gently, but don’t scrub it because this can push the germs into normal skin and lead to more impetigo. A little bleeding is common when you remove all the crusts.