IMPETIGO (Pyoderma) |
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General Information
DEFINITION--An infectious, contagious, common bacterial skin infection that affects the superficial layers of the skin. This is more common in athletes and those who participate in vigorous physical activity that causes excessive sweating.
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
A red rash with many small blisters. Some blisters contain pus, and yellow crusts form when they break. The blisters don't hurt, but they may itch.
Slight fever (sometimes).
CAUSES & RISK FACTORSSTAPHYLOCOCCI or STREPTOCOCCI bacteria growing in the upper skin layers. The following conditions make a person more susceptible to impetigo infections:
Increased perspiration from physical exertion.
Crowded or unsanitary conditions, such as locker rooms, or sharing of towels.
Constant friction with clothing and athletic equipment.
Fair complexion.
Skin that is sensitive to sun and irritants, such as soap and makeup.
Warm, moist weather.
Poor hygiene.
Recent illness that has lowered resistance.
HOW TO PREVENT
Bathe daily with soap and water.
Keep fingernails short. Don't scratch impetigo blisters.
If there is an outbreak in the team or family, urge all members to use antibacterial soap.
Use separate towels for each person, or substitute paper towels temporarily.
WHAT TO EXPECT
DIAGNOSTIC MEASURES
Your own observation of symptoms.
Medical history and physical exam by a doctor.
Laboratory skin culture to identify the germ causing the infection.
SURGERYNot necessary nor useful for this illness.
NORMAL COURSE OF ILLNESSCurable in 10 days with treatment, usually leaving no scars.
POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS
Penetration of the infection to deeper skin layers (ecthyma or cellulitis). This may cause scarring. Treatment is the same as for impetigo.
Acute glomerulonephritis (kidney disease) if impetigo has been caused by a streptococcal infection that has not been adequately treated.
HOW TO TREAT
NOTE -- Follow your doctor's instructions. These instructions are supplemental.
MEDICAL TREATMENTNone usually necessary after diagnosis and prescription of medication.
HOME TREATMENT
Follow the suggestions listed under How to Prevent.
Scrub lesions with gauze and antiseptic soap. Break any pustules. Remove all crusts, and expose and cleanse all lesions. If crusts are difficult to remove, soak them in warm soapy water and scrub gently.
Cover impetigo sores with gauze and tape to keep hands away from them.
Treat new lesions the same way, even if you are not sure they are impetigo.
Separate and boil bed linen, towels, clothes and other items that have touched sores.
Men should shave around sores on the face, not over them. Use an aerosol shaving cream and change razor blades each day. Don't use a shaving brush--it may harbor germs.
MEDICATIONYour doctor may prescribe:
Oral antibiotics, such as dicloxacillin or erythromycin. To avoid complications, take antibiotics for 10 days even if symptoms disappear.
Antibiotic ointments for very small areas of infection. Rub antibiotic ointment into the lesions for 60 seconds at least 4 times a day. If your doctor has not prescribed an ointment, you may use a non-prescription ointment containing neomycin and bacitracin.
ACTIVITYNo restrictions.
DIETNo special diet.
CALL YOUR DOCTOR IF
You have symptoms of impetigo.
Fever of 101F (38.3C) or higher orally develops.
The sores continue to spread or don't begin to heal in 3 days, despite treatment.
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