Signs and symptoms
Impetigo typically appears as a fragile blister containing thin, yellow pus. The initial sore often occurs at a point where the skin has been injured or irritated by an insect bite, a scrape, or a skin condition. If the child picks at the nose, the blister may appear in that area. The blister breaks easily, leaving an open, weeping sore that increases in size. The discharge hardens into a yellow crust or scab that looks like hardened honey. Impetigo spreads rapidly and the child can aggravate this by scratching a sore and transferring the discharge on his or her hands to other parts of the body. The infecting bacteria can only be identified through laboratory tests. If the culprit is the streptococcus bacterium, the doctor will watch for the possible development of a kidney condition known as glomerulonephritis.
Home care
If only a few small areas are involved, scrub the crusts of the sores with soap and water. (Streptococcal and staphylococcal infections thrive under the crusts.) Apply a nonprescription antibiotic ointment several times a day. Cover the sores with gauze to keep the ointment in place and to discourage the child from scratching and spreading the disease.
• To prevent impetigo, wash minor scratches and scrapes with soap and water and cover with a sterile bandage.
• Keep the washcloth, towel, and clothing used by the child separate from items used by other family members. This will reduce the chance of the disease spreading.
• Launder the infected child’s clothing and linens frequently; ordinary laundering sterilizes adequately.
• If home treatment for impetigo is effective, do not discontinue the treatment until the sores are completely healed and the skin is smooth; it can take a long time to clear the condition completely.
• If home treatment doesn’t seem to be working within four or five days or if the sores continue to spread or multiply, see your doctor.
Medical treatment
The doctor may culture the sores and, if streptococcal infection is present, prescribe a ten- to 14-day course of penicillin medication. In the case of staphylococcal infection, tests may be required to determine the most effective antibiotic medication.
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