Impetigo is a common skin condition that causes red sores on variousﾠexposed areas of the body. This could be on the face, neck, nose or mouth, or even on occasion on the area of the hands or feet. This contagious skin disease affects mostly infants (often aged 2 to 4 years) or school-aged children. Medical studies show that children are usually the ones affected, about 70 percent of the time.
Impetigo Causes
Impetigo may be caused by a staphylococcus or streptococcus bacteria. With a streptococcus bacteria, the blisters are usually very tiny and can easily rupture, with wet areas sometimes being present. In the case of a staphylococcus bacteria, the blisters will normally be large with dry crusts often forming. On occasion, the skin will become itchy and an infection can develop and spread to other areas of the body. Normally it will clear up on its own after a few weeks, but it is advisable to seek medical attention if the child may have impetigo, as an infection could occur.
Treatment and Transmission
In addition, the recovery time is less after antibiotics are given. Frequently, children can return to school in as little as 24 hours after receiving antibiotics once they are no longer contagious. Injured or sensitive skin can be more prone to contract the disease.
Some ways that the transmission of impetigo can occur is through airborne germs or saliva. In addition, areas that are hot and humid or over-crowded are more prone to spread the disease.
