Impetigo - Treatment and Symptoms

Impetigo begins as a cluster of small blisters that expand and rupture within the first 24 hour It is a skin infection that mainly affects infants and children. Impetigo usually appears on the face, especially around a child's nose and mouth. And although it commonly occurs when bacteria enter the skin through cuts or insect bites, it can also develop in skin that's perfectly healthy.Impetigo starts as a red sore that quickly ruptures, oozes for a few days and then forms a yellowish-brown crust that looks like honey or brown sugar. The disease is highly contagious, and scratching or touching the sores is likely to spread the infection to other parts of the body as well as to other people.

The main cause of impetigo is the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus , as it is a contagious disease it can easily be tranferred when you come into contact with the sores of someone who's infected or with items they've touched, such as clothing, bed linen, towels and even toys. Another bacterium, streptococcus pyogenes (Group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus), may also cause or contribute to the condition. Both types of bacteria can live harmlessly on your skin until they enter through a cut or other wound and cause an infection.

Impetigo may affect skin anywhere on the body but commonly occurs around the nose and mouth, hands, and forearms.When impetigo is caused by group A streptococcus , it begins as tiny blisters. These blisters eventually burst and leave small wet patches of red skin that may weep fluid. Gradually, a tan or yellowish-brown crust covers the affected area, making it look like it has been coated with honey or brown sugar.Impetigo that is caused by staphylococcus aureus triggers larger fluid-containing blisters that appear clear, then cloudy. These blisters are more likely to stay intact longer on the skin without bursting.

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