Impetigo and Skin Infections
IMPETIGO is an infection of the skin caused by staphylococcus or streptococcus bacteria. These bacteria normally live on our skin and in the environment. They can start infections when there is a scratch, insect bite or other wound that causes a break in the skin. The most common places to see impetigo are on the face, especially around the nose, and on the legs. Sores associated with impetigo begin as small red bumps, but then often develop soft, yellow, crusty scabs. Sometimes the patches will drain pus. Scratching or picking at the scabs can spread these sores to other areas.
TREATMENTS:
- Small, single patches of impetigo can be treated with soaking the scabs in order to remove the crust, and then applying antibiotic ointment (like Polysporin or Bacitracin) applied four times daily.
- If there are multiple patches, or the patches are spreading, antibiotics taken by mouth will probably be needed. In this case, your child will need to be seen in the office within 24 hours.
CALL THE OFFICE IMMEDIATELY IF …
- A fever occurs.
- There are sores or large blisters that are more than one (1) inch in diameter.
- If the skin around the sore is red and tender.
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