Just How Is Impetigo Identified?
Diagnosing impetigo is mainly simple based on the clinical appearance, however sometimes other conditions could look something like it. Bacterial infections such as tinea ("ringworm") or scabies (mites) may be confused with impetigo.
It is essential to note that not every blister means an impetigo infection. Occasionally, other infected and noninfected skin conditions create blister-like skin inflammation.
Such conditions include herpes fever blisters, chickenpox, poison ivy, skin allergies, eczema, and insect bites. Secondary infection of these diseases may happen occasionally. Medical judgment and occasionally culture lab tests, if needed, are used to decide whether or not topical antibacterial creams will be sufficient or whether oral antibiotics will be needed.
Impetigo is not dangerous and is also very easy to treat. Mild instances can be treated simply by gentle cleaning, removing crusts and applying the prescription-strength antibiotic ointment mupirocin (Bactroban). Nonprescription topical antibiotic ointments (such as Neosporin) generally are ineffective. More severe or widespread cases, especially of bullous impetigo, may require oral antibiotic medication.
Recently, more Staph germs have created resistance to standard antibiotics. Bacterial culture lab tests may help guide the use of suitable oral therapy if required.
Antibiotics which can be helpful can include penicillin derivatives (for example Augmentin) and also cephalosporins such as cephalexin (Keflex). If clinical suspicion supported by culture results show other bacteria, for example drug-resistant Staph (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus or MRSA), other antibiotics such as clindamycin or trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim or Septra) could be needed. Treatment is usually carefully guided by clinical results (culture and sensitivity tests).
What Are Potential Complications Of Impetigo?
One potentially serious but rare complication associated with impetigo brought on by Strep bacteria is actually glomerulonephritis, a condition creating kidney inflammation. Many professionals aren't confident that getting rid of impetigo will prevent glomerulonephritis from taking place.
Because the crusts and blisters from impetigo are superficial, impetigo doesn't leave scars. Affected skin looks red for some time after the crusts go away, but this redness fades in just a few days or weeks.
Can impetigo be avoided?
About the Author
Normal hand cleansing along with soap and hot water is a crucial and effective system to prevent the actual spread of impetigo. Find out additional facts about Impetigo right here: http://www.howtocureimpetigo.com/blog
Tell others about
this page:
Comments? Questions? Email Here