Impetigo

Dear eileenuk,

impetigo as you probably already know is an unattractive looking blistering skin infection which is highly contageous, although there are a few things you can do to minimise the risk of it returning, but being young children who usually end up with it, this becomes near on impossible. Kids spread the infection on themselves by scratching, it gets under their nails and spreads and is also highly contageous to other children who come in contact with the infected child. So maybe it might be wise to keep them home from school/kindergarden until the infection has cleared up. The other unfortunate thing about it is that it can also be spread from towels, clothing and bed linen to other members of your family. If you go to your doctor, maybe they can give you some antibiotic cream. I think you can clean the infection with antiseptic but please see your doctor first. Try and keep the infected area covered as much as possible so that you are not accidentally touching it and becoming infected yourself. And another good idea that was in my daughters school newsletter was to keep the childs nails cut so that the infection doesn't accumulate under the nails. With treatment I don't think it takes long to get rid of it, about 2 days or something. Hope that helps,

regards,

.::suzy::.

Can anyone tell me the degreeof damage that is caused by impetigo, and how many people are affected my this disease? I am trying to learn more about this disease.

Hi...

Impetigo is a contagious bacterial skin infection, usually characterized by the eruption of superficial pustules and the formation of thick yellow crusts, commonly on the face and upper body.

Impetigo is spread by any contact with it, and should be checked out by a doctor. Generally a topical ointment is perscribed, aswell as keeping the area bandaged to prevent further irritation and transmission.