Impetigo is a type of skin infection and general dermatology commonly seen in children and rarely in adults. It is contagious in nature; bacteria like staphylococcus aureus and at times, streptococcus pyogenes, are responsible for the occurrence of this infection. Generally, the face, hand and neck regions of the children get affected. Impetigo can be classified into two kinds: non-bullous impetigo or impetigo contagiosa and bullous impetigo.
Non-bullous impetigo appears like red sores, which burst rapidly, leaving behind a brownish yellow crust and is more contagious in nature. Bullous impetigo, on the other hand, is generally painless and the blisters are fluid-filled.
The causes of impetigo are as follows
- Warm and humid climate may trigger impetigo
- Contact with an infected child can spread the infection to a healthy child.
- Cuts or injuries can be responsible for impetigo
- Sports like football and wrestling can also sometimes lead to impetigo.
- Insect bite and skin rashes
- Prolonged use of diapers
- Skin problems like eczema or burns
- Skin inflammation may also result in impetigo.
- At times, animal bites may also result in impetigo.
Impetigo is generally noticed in children belonging to the age group of two-five years. Some of the most common symptoms of impetigo are mentioned below
- Blisters that are filled with fluid
- Red colored sores can pop out on the infected region
- Itching sensation
- Lymph nodes may become swollen
- Pus may come out from the sores
- Sometimes the sores may look like pimples
Impetigo, though easily curable, must not be ignored as it can spread rapidly to the other parts of your body.
