Impetigo
The skin disorder
impetigo is not a life threatening disease nor is it dangerous;
however it is a condition that is very highly infectious.
Impetigo is caused by staphylococcus bacteria or more rarely by
the streptococcus bacteria. Recognizable signs of impetigo are
that of small itchy patches of eczema, skin inflammation on
seemingly healthy skin. Tiny reddened itchy pimply spots can
rapidly turn into blisters filled with yellow pus.
These blisters crust and weep
after a while and in the meantime fresh blisters grow; they can
be in the same place or on other body parts. Impetigo usually
starts to appear on the face, especially around the edges of
the mouth, (like cold sores) the nose and back of the
ears.
Teenagers and
young children who suffer from the skin disorder eczema are
more likely to develop impetigo. Impetigo will not go away by
itself and will need treating by your doctor. It will need to
be treated sooner than later because of its infectious
qualities.
Treatments for impetigo prescribed are
normally bactericidal creams/ointments, like fusidic acid
(fusidin) or mupirocin (Bactroban) however depending on
severity of the disease it may require consumption of
oral antibiotics i.e. flucloxacillin (Floxapen) or
erythromycin.
It is important to soften scabbed
areas with the bactericidal ointment. Bacteria can still cause
the disease to breathe beneath the scabs.
If you have a child infected with
impetigo they should not return to school or playgroup until
the scabs have dropped off and they have been given the all
clear by the doctor that the disease is no longer contagious.
Explain to the child that they are not to scratch the infected
area if possible in case of causing infection.
Have the child wash their hands
regularly and only use their own comb, hair brush and face
flannel. Pop in and speak to the teacher before the child
arrives at school and detail out all there is know about
impetigo. Teachers are trained to be cautious so therefore will
need to protect others. If the skin disorder has not been cured
then it can result in the child having to be removed from
class, so to save any
embarrassment make
sure the teacher knows all they need to know for peace of
mind.
Itchy Scalp
& Dandruff Problems
Cut your child’s nails
short and encourage them not to scratch their scabs, this maybe
difficult depending on the infants age, but it is in their best
interest to keep a watchful eye over them until they are in the
clear if possible.
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