Impetigo is a skin infection that normally affects the younger children and infants. it is extremely contagious bacterial infection and hence needs immediate attention of the parents.
Impetigo mainly occurs on the facial skin, particularly around the nose and mouth. it can also appear on the other body parts like neck and hands but the diaper area is the most common site where impetigo mainly attacks a child.
Symptoms of Impetigo – Impetigo patients chiefly experience red sores, which is the major symptom of impetigo. these sores may itch and can burst when they are filled with fluid. as a result fluid may lead for a few days after which a yellowish crust may form on this part.
Sometimes, painless blisters may appear on the skin of the impetigo sufferers. in severe cases of this contagious skin infection, painful sores filled with fluid or pus can occur, which may form deep ulcers.
Types of Impetigo – Impetigo skin infections are of two types. They are bullous impetigo and non-bullous impetigo. Children are more commonly affected by the second type i.e. non-bullous impetigo. it is typically caused by ataphylococcus aureus but in rare cases it can also be caused due to an infection of group a streptococcus. Non-bullous impetigo starts in the form of tiny blisters that ultimately form crust after bursting.
Bullous impetigo occurs as large blisters that get filled with fluid or pus but do not burst open. these blisters most often remain on the skin of the sufferer for longer time duration. Bullous impetigo is caused by staphylococcus aureus.
Causes of Impetigo – Impetigo can be caused by any of these two bacteria – staphylococcus aureus and streptococcus pyogenes. these bacteria do not harm a person until they enter the body system through a cut or other abrasion. When these bacteria get into the body, infection results and eventually impetigo is caused.
Adults usually get affected by impetigo when the bacteria causing this skin infection find their way into the body as a result of any injury caused to their skin. mostly, other skin conditions like dermatitis are responsible for the bruises on the skin that allow the entry of the bacteria through skin.
Since impetigo is highly contagious, patients should maintain cleanliness and the condition must be treated properly.