Impetigo is a common and highly contagious bacterial skin infection with a global prevalence of 12%. It primarily affects infants and young children. It usually starts as red sores that quickly burst, ooze fluid, and form a yellowish-brown crust. It easily spreads through direct skin contact or scratching. 

Proper hygiene is crucial for preventing impetigo. Knowing its causes, symptoms, risk factors, and treatments is essential for managing it effectively and stopping it from spreading. Read ahead to learn more about impetigo in detail.

What is Impetigo?

Impetigo often begins as an itchy, sometimes painful infection. It is usually caused by bacteria that enter through an incision or through a minor rash. Typically, the first signs of impetigo are sores or blisters around the mouth and nose. However,  it can appear on the scalp, hairline, arms, or legs. While anyone can get impetigo, it’s most common in children between the ages of 2 and 5. 

Impetigo is more common during warmer months when kids are active outdoors. It is of the following 3 types:

• Non-bullous Impetigo (most common)
• Bullous Impetigo
• Ecthyma

Causes of Impetigo

Impetigo is caused by two main types of bacteria:

• Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus): Responsible for about 80% of non-bullous impetigo cases.
• Group A Streptococcus (strep): Causes around 10% of non-bullous cases.

These bacteria enter the body through broken skin—cuts, scrapes, insect bites, or rashes. You can also catch impetigo by touching the sores of an infected person or by using contaminated items like towels, clothes, or bedding.

Symptoms of Impetigo

The symptoms vary depending on the type of impetigo:

Non-bullous impetigo:

• Starts as small red spots, like insect bites or pimples.
• Quickly bursts, leaving honey-coloured, crusty sores.
• Common around the nose, mouth, and limbs.
• May itch or cause mild discomfort,t but usually isn’t painful.

Bullous impetigo:

• Causes larger, fluid-filled blisters.
• Blisters stay intact longer before bursting.
• Often appears on the torso, diaper area, or limbs.
• Can cause soreness or mild pain.

Ecthyma:

• Penetrates deeper into the skin.
• This leads to painful, pus-filled sores that can turn into deep ulcers.
• May cause scarring if left untreated.

Other symptoms include itching, swollen lymph nodes, and general discomfort. If the infection spreads, a fever may occur.

Risk Factors of Impetigo

Several factors increase the risk of impetigo, including:

• Age: Most likely occurs in children between the ages of 2-5.
• Close Contact: It is most likely to spread within a family, school, daycare, or through sports where skin-to-skin contact occurs.
• Weather: More common in the warmer months.
• Broken skin: Minor cuts, insect bites, and even rashes can act as an entry for bacteria.
• Other Health Conditions: Children with eczema and adults with diabetes have a weaker immune system and are more susceptible to infection.

Diagnosis of Impetigo

A healthcare provider can usually diagnose impetigo by examining the sores. If the sores don’t respond to treatment, they may take a sample of the fluid to identify the bacteria and determine the best antibiotic.

Treatment Options for Impetigo

Prompt treatment helps impetigo clear faster and prevents spreading. Common treatments include:

• Topical Antibiotics: Mupirocin is often prescribed.
• Oral Antibiotics: For more extensive infections, doctors may recommend cephalosporins, clindamycin, or sulfamethoxazole.

Gently clean the sores with warm, soapy water to remove crusts. Apply the prescribed antibiotic as directed. Cover the area with a non-stick bandage to protect the skin and prevent spreading.

Prevention of Impetigo

Good hygiene is key to preventing impetigo. Here are a few points to keep in mind that would help:

• Gently wash the affected area with soap and water, then after drying, apply gauze to cover it.
• Wash the infected person’s clothing, towels, and linens daily in hot water.
• Trim children’s nails short so they won’t scratch and spread the infection. Teach them to wash their hands frequently.
• Prevent external bacteria from entering by putting gauze over cuts, scrapes, and insect bites.

Complications of Impetigo

Impetigo is usually mild, but untreated cases can lead to complications:

• Cellulitis: A serious infection affecting deeper skin layers and possibly spreading to the lymph nodes and bloodstream.
• Kidney Problems: In rare cases, Group A strep can cause kidney inflammation (post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis).
• Scarring: Deep sores from ecthyma may leave scars.

FAQs about Impetigo

1. When do impetigo symptoms start?

Impetigo symptoms tend to develop within a three-day timeframe after bacteria infects the skin. 

2. Can stress cause impetigo in adults?

While stress does not directly result in impetigo, it can greatly affect the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to bacterial infections and reducing their ability to combat them effectively.

3. How to get rid of impetigo in 24 hours?

Studies show that the condition does not improve within a day’s time, but they suggest using antibiotic creams for a speedy recovery. Impetigo typically needs more than a single day to heal.

4. How long does impetigo last?

After 48 hours and with effective treatment, impetigo is usually no longer contagious. The sores take some time to heal fully, but scarring is highly unlikely. 

5. How long does impetigo live on surfaces?

Inadequate personal hygiene can increase the chances of getting impetigo due to the likeliness of the bacteria surviving on dry surfaces for many weeks or months.

Conclusion

Impetigo is a common but manageable skin infection. Early recognition and proper care are crucial to stop it from spreading and avoid complications. If you notice signs of impetigo, seek medical advice promptly. With early treatment and good hygiene, impetigo can be controlled, ensuring a quicker recovery and keeping everyone healthy. DocTutorials provides comprehensive NEET PG courses, extensive question banks, high-quality video lectures, mock tests, and personalised mentorship for aspiring medical students. Enroll now!