Simple hygiene measures and prompt attention to small wounds will do much for Impetigo prevention. Impetigo is a highly contagious skin infection either caused by the Staphylococcus or Streptococcus bacteria. Impetigo, even though not as common in adults, is one of the most widespread skin infections that primarily affects infants and children, particularly of kindergarten and school age.
The symptoms of impetigo include a patch of tiny blisters that often initially become visible around the mouth or nose. Blisters and sores also frequently appear on the neck, hands, underarm and buttocks.
Proper Hygiene and Skin Care
Impetigo is spread solely by direct contact. You can help prevent Impetigo by avoiding contact with those individuals who have been infected. No vaccines or other medications are available to prevent impetigo. Practicing good individual hygiene practices can to a great extent help to prevent and reduce the risk of this infectious bacterial skin disease from overspreading. It is healthier to take a bath each day and keep your skin clean, dry and bacteria free. Care should be taken to avoid cuts, scraping or injury to your skin.
Prevention of Impetigo
Individuals with impetigo are supposed to seek medical assistance and if essential begin antibiotic treatment shortly so as to avoid spreading it to others. If you have impetigo, you can help prevent the spread of the infection by not touching the affected areas and by not sharing personal items such as bed linen, soap, bath towels, toys and clothes with other family members. Carefully clean small cuts, scrapes and insect bites with mild antibacterial soap and clean water and keep the area covered. To prevent injury from scratching, parents are advised to cut short an infected child's fingernails. The infected child should be kept at home until the wounds are absolutely healed and a physician says the child isn't infectious.
Impetigo can be effectively treated with antibiotic ointment and antibiotic pills prescribed by a doctor.
