Skincare Conditions: Skin Care Treatment for Impetigo

Skincare-News.com explains the facts about impetigo, a skin condition affecting both adults and children.

(PRWEB) October 21, 2007 -- Primarily a skin condition that affects infants and young children, impetigo presents as blisters or sores on the face (especially around the mouth and nose) and may also show up on hands or forearms. And although children typically are the ones who suffer with impetigo, people at any age can contract this very contagious condition. Skincare-News.com's latest article, "FYI: Impetigo," shows readers the difference between the three types of impetigo and what to do if the condition occurs.
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This itchy condition results from bacteria entering the skin through cuts, insect bites or abrasions. People with eczema, scabies, herpes, chicken pox or contact dermatitis are also highly prone to developing impetigo, as well. Even if the skin isn't broken, impetigo can spread through skin-to-skin contact, such as in a crowded environment or warm, humid environments. And because there are several types of impetigo, it is very important to know which type a person has: impetigo contagiosa, bullous impetigo or ecthyma.

The first, impetigo contagiosa, is a highly contagious form caused by the bacteria streptococcus pyogenes (strep). Typically affecting the skin around the nose and mouth, or even the hands and forearms, it can be passed through scratching to other parts of the body, making it a very difficult to heal. Commonly beginning as itchy red sores or blisters, these blisters often rupture after about 24 hours, at which point they will ooze and weep for a few days, before forming a thick, honey-brown crust. Even though the blisters are itchy and leave behind a red mark as they heal, for the most part they don't scar, and the red mark should fade within a few weeks.

The next type of impetigo is bullous impetigo, caused by the staphylococcus aureus (staph) bacteria. Bullous impetigo ordinarily surfaces in children less than two years old as red, pus-filled blisters on the trunk, arms, and legs, which although unsightly, aren't normally painful. The clear pustules will ultimately rupture, forming a yellowish scab, before healing completely.

Ecthyma, the most serious form of impetigo, attacks the dermis, or deeper layer of the skin. Painful, fluid-filled sores typically form on the legs and/or feet that ultimately become hard, grayish ulcers with a tough, crusty covering. Lymph nodes may swell during an outbreak and because the bacteria reach the dermis, the potential for scarring from ecthyma is high. Avoid scratching at these lesions and seek medical attention.

To avoid contracting impetigo, be careful to clean cuts, scrapes, bug bites, eczema, or any type of skin rash as these can all provide an ideal breeding ground for the staph or strep bacteria. Although impetigo can cause all sorts of unappealing skin lesions, with careful attention, it can be managed. However, because it is a skin condition that may require prescription medication, and because it is so contagious, always visit a doctor before trying any sort of at-home remedy. A mild case of impetigo may heal without medication, but a more severe case will most likely need oral or topical antibiotics.

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