Understanding And Treating Impetigo
Impetigo is a state in which our skin gets affected by bacterial infection. It is an extremely infectious state that affects small children between ages three and six most often. This disease is characterized by the appearance of tiny red blisters on the area around the nose and mouth. These blisters later break and develop a yellow crusty layer on themselves. There are basically three kinds of impetigo, namely, Bullous, Non Bullous Impetigo as well as Ecthyma.
Impetigo infections occur when bacteria like Staphylococcus Aureus penetrates deep into our system through any cuts in the skin. This breakage may be due to insect bites or wounds, or anything else that weakens our skin. This bacteria destroys the protein layer between the skin and then spreads to other body parts. Impetigo can also be transferred from one person to another by holding or touching the private parts of an infected person.
Under certain extreme circumstance, Impetigo can also further lead to various complications like PSGN. It may also result in other kind of staph infections like MRSA or Cellulitis. The condition in which impetigo infection results in kidney inflammation, it is known as PSGN. It occurs when the tiny structure which function to filter the waste material out of our kidneys get damages because of the infection.
Impetigo can be treated either by taking oral antibiotics or by using bacterial ointments. The course of treatment basically depends on the severity as well as the condition of the infection at the time. In case of mild and non serious condition, doctors usually recommend bactericidal ointments that should be applied on the areas that are affected by the infection. However, in case the infection is deadly or severe, oral antibiotics are generally recommended.
Other general guidelines that must be kept in mind is to take care of the wounds and cuts properly, keeping the clothes and lines used by the infected person separate from the rest of the family’s clothing, keeping nails clean and trimmed, and covering up the sores presented on the skin of the infected person properly to avoid the spread of impetigo infection.
