Introduction
Impetigo is a skin infection that spreads easily and causes blisters and sores. While it’s highly contagious, it is quite common and not typically serious. It often resolves within a week with treatment, or within a couple of weeks if no treatment is undertaken.
In the UK, this skin infection is the most prevalent skin condition in children, but it also affects people of any age.
Symptoms of Impetigo
There are two main types of impetigo:
Non-bullous impetigo
Bullous impetigo
Non-bullous impetigo is the more common of the two types.
Non-bullous Impetigo
Non-bullous impetigo starts with the development of small, red sores, usually found around the mouth and nose. However, these sores can also appear on other parts of the body.
The sores typically burst quickly, leaving behind golden crusts which are usually around 2cm in diameter. These crusts are occasionally compared to the appearance of “cornflakes” attached to the skin. Once dry, the crusts leave red marks that tend to fade without any scarring. The redness may persist for days or even weeks, depending on the individual.
These sores are not painful but may cause itching. It’s important to avoid touching or scratching them as infection can spread to other areas of the body or to other individuals.
Though rare, some severe cases can also include additional symptoms like a high fever or enlarged lymph nodes.
Bullous Impetigo
Bullous impetigo presents with blisters containing fluid, usually forming on the trunk of the body, between the neck and waist, and also on the arms and legs. These blisters are generally 1-2 cm in size.
The blisters can spread before they burst, leaving a yellowish crust. This crust usually heals without scarring.
Unlike non-bullous impetigo, bullous impetigo can be painful. The surrounding skin may also be itchy. As with the non-bullous form, avoid scratching or touching the affected areas to prevent the infection from spreading.
Swollen glands and fever are more common in bullous impetigo cases.
Causes of Impetigo
Impetigo occurs when bacteria infect the skin. The most common culprits are either Streptococcus pyogenes or Staphylococcus aureus. These bacteria can enter the skin in the following ways:
1. Through a break in healthy skin – this may occur due to an insect bite, cut or other injury. This type of infection is called primary impetigo.
2. Secondary impetigo occurs through damaged skin – sometimes, conditions like eczema, head lice, or scabies can damage the skin, allowing bacteria to enter.
Impetigo spreads rapidly through close contact, such as touching an infected person or sharing towels and other personal items. As symptoms may not appear until 4 to 10 days after being exposed to the bacteria, people can unintentionally pass on the infection before realising they have it.
Children, individuals with diabetes, or those with weakened immune systems, such as people undergoing chemotherapy or living with HIV, have a higher chance of developing impetigo.
Treatment of Impetigo
Impetigo often clears up on its own within 2-3 weeks, but treatment is usually recommended, as it shortens recovery time to between 1 -2 weeks and helps reduce the chance of spreading the infection to others.
One common treatment is Fusidic Acid Cream. This cream contains fusidic acid, which is an antibiotic used to treat a variety of bacterial skin infections.
For further information on this product, you can access the patient leaflet here https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/medicine/29266
How Fusidic Acid Works
Fusidic acid works by preventing bacteria from producing essential proteins they need to grow and survive. It is an effective treatment for a variety of bacteria types and is used to treat conditions such as impetigo, whitlow (an infection near the fingernail), and hair follicle infections. It can also be used to treat dermatitis or eczema that has developed a secondary infection.
How to Stop Impetigo from Spreading
While receiving treatment, it is crucial to take steps to prevent the infection from spreading to others or to other areas of your body. Typically, people are no longer infectious 48 hours after beginning treatment, or after their sores have fully healed. Until this point, it’s very important to avoid contact with others and stay home from nursery, school or work.
Here are some ways to prevent spreading impetigo:
. Avoid sharing personal items: Do not share towels, flannels, or bed sheets with someone with impetigo. Wash these items in hot water after use.
. Keep the sores clean: Wash the affected areas thoroughly with soap and water, and cover them with a loose gauze bandage or light clothing.
. Do not touch the sores: Scratching or touching the sores can lead to further spread. Keeping fingernails short and clean may help reduce the temptation to scratch.
. Avoid certain activities: Refrain from handling food, participating in contact sports, or visiting the gym, until you are no longer contagious.
. Wash your hands regularly: Make sure you wash your hands frequently, especially after coming into contact with infected skin.
. Clean toys: Wash washable toys thoroughly and wipe down non-washable ones with a cloth dampened with warm water and detergent, allowing them to dry thoroughly.
By following these precautions, you can help contain the infection and prevent it from affecting others.
Availability of Treatment
For more information on impetigo treatments or to inquire about this service, visit your local pharmacy at a convenient time or contact the pharmacy directly.
