Impetigo is a contagious skin
condition caused by bacteria, often seen in children and infants. It usually
starts as red sores around the nose, mouth, hands, or feet .When the sores open,
they produce a honey-colored crust around the edges. The condition can be spread by direct contact
or touching the lesions, or by touching items another child with impetigo has
already touched. Impetigo is most common in young children as well as in crowded,
warm/humid areas. Kids involved in
sports such as wrestling or football are at a higher risk than children in
other sports, due to physical contact.
Although contagious, impetigo is
not a dangerous condition. It is treated using topical and/or oral antibiotics . In most
cases, once a child has taken the antibiotics for 24-hours, they may return to
school as they are no longer contagious. Scarring can occur as the areas heal,
and it is import to protect areas with sunscreen and sun avoidance. Impetigo
can often be confirmed by visual examination without biopsies or labs. If the areas do not clear up with antibiotics,
a culture may be taken to find which antibiotic will work best.
This weeks blog was written by a guest blogger: Abby Leboza, Physician Assistant Student from Nova Southeastern
No comments:
Post a Comment