Contents:
- Medical Video: Dermatology | On Call with the Prairie Doc | December 13, 2018
- Overview of impetigo
- What are the symptoms of impetigo in infants?
- How to treat impetigo in infants?
- How do you prevent your baby from spreading infections to other people?
Medical Video: Dermatology | On Call with the Prairie Doc | December 13, 2018
Baby's skin that is red and blister is not always a sign of chickenpox. There is one other skin infection that has similar symptoms, namely impetigo. Impetigo isinfectious skin disease characterized by red sores on the face, around the nose or mouth. Impetigo commonly attacks infants and children. What are the characteristics of impetigo in infants, and how do you treat them? Check out more in this article.
Overview of impetigo
Impetigo is a skin infection caused by bacteria Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes. These bacteria usually enter the child's body through wounds on the skin, although infection may also occur in children whose skin is healthy.
In general, impetigo can heal itself over time. But it is still important for parents to reduce the risk of bacterial transmission to other infants, so that impetigo in infants still needs to be addressed as soon as possible.
Because the transmission of impetgio-causing bacteria can occur through direct physical contact with babies who have impetigo or through intermediaries, such as clothes, towels, napkins, etc. that were previously shared. Bacteria will more easily infect babies who have wounds, such as injuries from insect bites, falls, or sharp objects. It could also be due to wounds caused by other skin infections, such as eczema, scabies, or flea infections. Impetigo is more common when the weather is warm and humid.
What are the symptoms of impetigo in infants?
This skin infection consists of blisters or open sores on the skin, which then cause a yellow or brown crust.
Impetigo can occur anywhere on the skin of your baby's body. However, blisters most commonly found around the nose and mouth, hands, forearm, and also diaper area.
There are two types of impetigo that are differentiated based on the symptoms caused, namely:
- Bullous impetigo, characterized by blisters and fluid filled skin. The appearance of bullous impetigo is usually accompanied by fever and swollen lymph nodes.
- Krustosa or non bullosa impetigo, is characterized by the appearance of red patches, such as a wound that leaves a brownish crust. Although not blistered, impetigo krustosa is more contagious than bullous impetigo.
How to treat impetigo in infants?
Some cases of impetigo can heal on their own within two to three weeks without treatment. However, prescribing antibiotics from a doctor can speed healing to 7-10 days. This can also reduce the risk of transmission to other infants and children around it. Impetigo can be treated using topical antibiotics or drinking antibiotics.
Topical antibiotics are used if the infection is still mild, is in one area, and has not spread everywhere. Drinking antibiotics are used if symptoms of impetigo cannot be treated with topical antibiotics, the condition is getting worse, and spread to other parts.
If treatment with antibiotics has no effect after three days, the doctor will examine the infected skin sample in the laboratory to see if there is a possible infection other than impetigo.
Laboratory tests also need to be done if the impetigo recurs. Usually impetigo recurs because there are still bacteria that nest in certain areas, such as the nose, so that it easily infects the surrounding area which happens to be injured. If proven correct, the bacteria must be eradicated with special antiseptic drugs that can be used on the nose.
How do you prevent your baby from spreading infections to other people?
If your baby's impetigo is not treated, your baby may transmit the infection for several weeks. Once your baby starts antibiotic treatment or when the rash starts to heal and dry, about 24-48 hours after your baby is no longer contagious. In the meantime, keep your baby away from daycare and direct contact with several people.
Keep your baby's equipment clean like washing your clothes, sheets, and baby towels every day and avoid friends and family members from sharing soap, towels, hair brushes, or other personal items with your baby. Wear gloves when you apply antibiotic ointment to your baby, and wash your hands well afterwards. Make sure all your family members wash their hands regularly with soap and water.
