Treatment & Prevention Guide for IMPETIGO
Impetigo is a superficial infection caused by staph and/or strep. It is most common in children and often involves the face and areas about the lips and nose. Inflammation and tenderness may be slight or absent, but the hallmark of impetigo is the presence of sticky, yellow, honey-colored crust. Impetigo is more communicable in children than among adults.
Treatment for IMPETIGO
Crusts should be removed by means of gentle washing with soap and water. Several effective antiseptic soaps are available without a prescription. Adherent crusts may require soaks or compresses to soften and loosen them. After washing, topical antiseptics can be applied.
A number of antibiotic ointments and creams are available without a prescription (see Formulary); these do not sting or stain, and should be applied carefully three or four times daily until several days after healing has occurred.
Antibiotics by mouth may be necessary if the infection is widespread or does not respond to topical treatment. Systemic antibiotics should be used when strep infections are present, primarily to limit the spread of infection to others. A full ten day course of antibiotics is necessary to prevent recurrence of the infection. Kidney disease (nephritis) can result from strep infections of the skin. Though it hasn't been shown that antibiotics decrease the likelihood of this complication, they do hasten healing and diminish the spread of infection to others.
Prevention Tips for IMPETIGO
Impetigo often appears spontaneously and therefore may be difficult to prevent. Continued use of soap, especially antibacterial soap, as well as of any medication' that has been prescribed, for several days after healing will decrease recurrent infections. The possibility of spread of infection, particularly in children, to others should be remembered; skin-to-skin contact should be avoided. The hands must be washed carefully after infected areas have been touched.
Treatment for IMPETIGO
Crusts should be removed by means of gentle washing with soap and water. Several effective antiseptic soaps are available without a prescription. Adherent crusts may require soaks or compresses to soften and loosen them. After washing, topical antiseptics can be applied.
A number of antibiotic ointments and creams are available without a prescription (see Formulary); these do not sting or stain, and should be applied carefully three or four times daily until several days after healing has occurred.
Antibiotics by mouth may be necessary if the infection is widespread or does not respond to topical treatment. Systemic antibiotics should be used when strep infections are present, primarily to limit the spread of infection to others. A full ten day course of antibiotics is necessary to prevent recurrence of the infection. Kidney disease (nephritis) can result from strep infections of the skin. Though it hasn't been shown that antibiotics decrease the likelihood of this complication, they do hasten healing and diminish the spread of infection to others.
Prevention Tips for IMPETIGO
Impetigo often appears spontaneously and therefore may be difficult to prevent. Continued use of soap, especially antibacterial soap, as well as of any medication' that has been prescribed, for several days after healing will decrease recurrent infections. The possibility of spread of infection, particularly in children, to others should be remembered; skin-to-skin contact should be avoided. The hands must be washed carefully after infected areas have been touched.
Posts
