Impetigo bacterial skin infection

Description

Impetigo is a frequent skin infection. It is very contagious and often affects babies and children. Crusts are usually formed in area around the mouth and on the face. A bacterium which is the causer isstreptococcus or staphylococcus. These bacteria may reach healthy skin, but more often attack skin affected by some cut, insect bite or previous rash. This disease usually heals without treatment but administration of local or oral antibiotics reduces chances for the complications.

Symptoms

Red rash out of which the fluid is leaking. Rash is often followed by the appearance of blisters that burst and crust over. Rash mostly affects the face and area around the mouth but any other part of the body may get infected.

Overview

Anamnesis is being taken and physical examination is being done. Diagnosis is usually set with the skin examination. Occasionaly a skin biopsy should also be done.Bacteria streptococcus or staphylococcus usually develops in a wound of the skin and therefore a smear is taken to determine the presence of MRSA (methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus). MRSA requires a different antibiotic treatment in comparison to the one that is usually prescribed for impetigo.

Additional analyses

Skin biopsy.

Specialists

Dermatology, General Practice, Infectology, Internal Medicine

Therapy

Objective of the treatment is to remove the infection and prevent its recurrence. Treatment consists of good hygiene and taking of antibiotics. Topical antibiotic may be Stanicid,oral antibiotics that are prescribed are: cephalexin, erythromycin, or azithromycin. If MRSA is suspected, other antibiotics may be prescribed.