Skin infections (e.g., impetigo, cellulitis)
Impetigo is a common and contagious skin infection.
Affected Populations
- Primarily affects infants and young children.
Symptoms
- Reddish sores: Appear on the face, nose, mouth, hands, and feet.
- Crust formation: Sores burst and develop honey-colored crusts.
Treatment
- Antibiotics: Treatment with antibiotics helps limit the spread of infection.
- Isolation: Keep infected individuals away from others until contagiousness subsides (usually 24 hours after starting antibiotics).
Symptoms
A contagious skin infection.
Primary Symptom
- Reddish sores: Typically appear around the nose and mouth, followed by oozing and crust formation.
Spread of Infection
- Contagious nature: Impetigo can spread through touch, clothing, and towels.
Other Forms of Impetigo
- Bullous impetigo: Causes larger blisters on the trunk of infants and young children.
- Ecthyma: A more severe form with deeper ulcers.
Causes
A contagious skin infection.
Bacterial Cause
- Staphylococci organisms: The primary bacteria responsible for impetigo.
Transmission
- Contact with infected individuals: Direct contact with sores or contaminated items can spread impetigo.
Risk Factors
A contagious skin infection.
Risk Factors
- Age: Children ages 2–5 are particularly susceptible.
- Close contact: Exposure to infected individuals in crowded settings increases the risk.
Complications
Purpose of the content: To provide information on potential complications of impetigo.
Complications
- Cellulitis: A potentially life-threatening infection affecting the underlying tissues.
- Kidney problems: One type of bacteria can cause kidney damage.
- Scarring: Ecthyma can lead to scarring.
Prevention
Purpose of the content: To provide information on preventive measures to reduce the risk of impetigo.
Skin Care
- Cleanliness: Keep skin clean and wash wounds promptly.
Preventing Spread
- Gentle cleansing: Wash affected areas with mild soap and water.
- Covering sores: Lightly cover sores with gauze.
- Laundry hygiene: Wash infected person’s clothes, linens, and towels daily in hot water.
- Hand hygiene: Wear gloves when applying ointment and wash hands thoroughly.
- Nail care: Keep fingernails short to prevent scratching.
- Isolation: Keep infected individuals away from others until contagiousness subsides.
When to see a doctor
A contagious skin infection. Purpose of the content: To provide guidance on when to consult a doctor for suspected impetigo.
When to Seek Medical Attention
- Suspected impetigo: If you or your child exhibit symptoms of impetigo, consult a healthcare provider.