Impetigo how does it start

The incubation period is usually one to three days for streptococcal infections and four to 10 days for staphylococcal infections. Impetigo may be diagnosed by an experienced clinician on the basis of the appearance of the infection. It may also be diagnosed by taking a swab of the blisters or crust and checking for the presence of bacteria. Impetigo can be treated with prescription antibiotic ointments or creams, which need to be reapplied until the sores have completely healed.

Antibiotic syrups or tablets may also be prescribed. It is important to complete any course of antibiotics you are prescribed. If left untreated, impetigo can lead to skin abscesses. Impetigo blisters and crusts are filled with bacteria.

This makes the condition highly contagious, particularly when the site is weeping. The skin is usually itchy, so the child scratches and spreads the infection from under their fingernails to other areas of the body or to another person. Infection can also be spread by handling contaminated clothing or articles. Suggestions to reduce the risk of transmission to other family members include:. Keep the infected person well away from young babies. This page has been produced in consultation with and approved by:.

Anthrax is a rare but potentially fatal bacterial disease that occasionally infects humans. The Western obsession with cleanliness may be partly responsible for the increase in allergic asthma and conditions such as rhinitis.

Careful prescribing of antibiotics will minimise the emergence of antibiotic resistant strains of bacteria. Aspergillus is a fungus that commonly grows on rotting vegetation. It can cause asthma symptoms. Impetigo im-peh-TIE-go is a bacterial infection of the skin that is most common in young children. Doctors use antibiotics to treat impetigo. Antibiotics can also help protect others from getting sick.

Impetigo is a skin infection caused by one or both of the following bacteria: group A Streptococcus and Staphylococcus aureus.

This page focuses on impetigo caused by group A Streptococcus group A strep. In addition to impetigo, group A strep cause many other types of infections.

When group A strep infects the skin, it causes sores. The bacteria can spread to others if someone touches those sores or comes into contact with fluid from the sores. Impetigo starts as a red, itchy sore. In general, impetigo is a mild infection that can occur anywhere on the body. It most often affects exposed skin, such as around the nose and mouth or on the arms or legs. Symptoms include red, itchy sores that break open and leak a clear fluid or pus for a few days.

Doctors typically diagnose impetigo by looking at the sores physical examination. Lab tests are not needed. Impetigo is treated with antibiotics that are either rubbed onto the sores topical antibiotics or taken by mouth oral antibiotics.

To avoid spreading the infection to other areas of your body and to other people:. Page last reviewed: 18 March Next review due: 18 March Check if you have impetigo Impetigo starts with red sores or blisters, but the redness may be harder to see in brown and black skin.

The patches can: look a bit like cornflakes stuck to your skin get bigger spread to other parts of your body be itchy sometimes be painful Sores non-bullous impetigo or blisters bullous impetigo can start anywhere — but usually on exposed areas like your face and hands.

Impetigo can look similar to other skin conditions. Possible causes of symptoms Skin symptoms Possible cause Blisters on lips or around the mouth Cold sores Itchy, dry, cracked, sore Eczema Itchy blisters Shingles , chickenpox.

The name refers to the ring-like shape of the red, raised skin patches it produces. You can catch ringworm through direct contact or by sharing personal items with people who are infected. The typical treatment is with an antifungal skin cream.

Some products are available over the counter. Others require a prescription from your doctor. Ringworm is an itchy, annoying problem. Good hygiene can help prevent it from starting or coming back. Erysipelas is a bacterial infection that affects the upper layers of skin. Similar to impetigo, these bacteria sneak into the skin through an open wound or crack.

Doctors typically prescribe oral antibiotics to treat the infection. More severe cases may need to be treated with IV antibiotics in a hospital. Treatment is usually very effective at eliminating the infection.

Not treating erysipelas can increase your risk for serious complications. Instead, it can be a reaction to substances in your environment, like detergent, metal, or latex, or it may be associated with allergies or asthma. One type called dyshidrotic eczema causes tiny fluid-filled blisters to form on your hands or feet. These blisters may itch or hurt. People who have allergies are more likely to get eczema. Avoiding the substance that caused the skin reaction can prevent it in the future.

Eczema comes in seven different types. Learn how to identify them. It clears up faster with antibiotics and requires good hygiene to prevent it from spreading.

Bacitracin and Neosporin can help you keep an infection at bay. Learn the differences between these two common over-the-counter antibiotics. It can cause a lot of discomfort and may even become a…. Lymph nodes are found throughout the body. Causes of swollen lymph nodes include immune disorders and infection. Learn about treatment and much more. Use this guide to help decide whether or not your child should take a sick day from school.

Diaper rash creams can help soothe your baby when diaper rash strikes. Here are our picks for the top 11 creams to help you choose the best one. Diaper rash is a common irritation that can usually be treated at home. Domestic animals, like dogs and cats, are responsible for the majority of animal bites.

Read more about types of bites, symptoms, and treatments. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Type 2 Diabetes. Medically reviewed by Karen Gill, M. What is impetigo?