Impetigo

Although not usually serious, it is very contagious so it’s recommended you get it treated. At Pharmacy Online, we have a range of topical creams to treat impetigo in 7-10 days.

What is impetigo?

Impetigo is a bacterial infection caused by two types of bacteria: Staphylococcus aureus bacteria and Streptococcus pyogenes bacteria.

It typically starts as red, itchy sores on the skin, which rapidly develop into blisters. These blisters then burst open, oozing fluid for a few days before forming a distinctive yellowish-brown crust. While the sores can appear anywhere on the body, they are most commonly found around the nose and mouth.

Initially, impetigo sores can be similar to pimples or insect bites, before rapidly evolving into the more recognisable blistered and crusted state. The lesions can be painful and cause discomfort, especially when they burst and ooze.

How contagious is impetigo?

Impetigo is highly contagious. It can spread easily through direct skin-to-skin contact with an infected person. This ease of transmission makes it particularly common among children who are in close physical contact with each other, such as in schools or daycare centres.

Elsewhere, impetigo can spread through indirect contact, such as sharing personal items like towels, bedding, clothing, or toys that have been used by an infected person.

The bacteria that cause impetigo can enter the body through minor cuts, insect bites, or any other breaks in the skin. It can also infect healthy skin. It’s really important for people with impetigo to keep their sores covered and not touch others to avoid spreading the infection. Washing hands well and not sharing personal items like towels can also help keep impetigo from spreading.

Symptoms of impetigo

• Red sores or blisters: At first, impetigo can look like small red spots or bumps around the nose and mouth, but they can appear anywhere on the body.
• Bursting blisters: These spots quickly turn into blisters filled with fluid and then burst open, leaving a wet, raw-looking area on the skin.
• Yellow-brown crust: After the blisters burst, they start to dry up and form a crust or scab that is yellowish-brown. This crust is probably one of the most common signs of impetigo.
• Itchiness: The sores and blisters can be itchy, but it's important not to scratch them to avoid spreading the infection.

Different types of impetigo

Impetigo can appear in different forms, each with its own characteristics in terms of appearance, spread, and healing. It's important to identify the specific type to ensure you receive the correct antibiotic treatment.

Non-bullous impetigo

This is the most common form of impetigo, accounting for about 80% of cases. It's characterised by small, red, itchy bumps that turn into blisters. The blisters then break open and crust over, leaving behind a yellowing scab. Non-bullous impetigo typically occurs on the face, but it can also appear on other parts of the body.

Bullous impetigo

This is a less common form of impetigo, accounting for about 15% of cases. It's characterised by larger, fluid-filled blisters that may be less itchy than non-bullous impetigo. Bullous impetigo typically occurs on the extremities, such as the arms and legs. This type of impetigo is more often seen in young children.

Ecthyma

Ecthyma is a more severe form of impetigo that penetrates deeper into the skin, leading to the development of painful, fluid-filled sores. These sores eventually turn into deep ulcers with a hard, thick crust on top. Ecthyma is particularly painful and takes longer to heal compared to other forms of impetigo. It also has a higher likelihood of leaving scars. Ecthyma is more common in people with weakened immune systems or those living in less hygienic conditions.

Ecthyma, due to its severity, requires prompt medical attention to prevent further complications and to control its spread to others.

What causes impetigo?

Impetigo is caused by bacteria that get into the skin. The main culprits, as mentioned above, are usually Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes. These bacteria often live harmlessly on our skin, but they can cause soft tissue infections if they get into the skin through a break, injury, or even insect bite.

Once the bacteria are inside the skin, they multiply and spread, causing the characteristic sores and blisters of impetigo. The infection is highly contagious and can easily spread to other parts of the body or to other people through direct contact with the sores or with items that have touched the sores, like towels or bedding.

Despite its high contagion rate, impetigo is generally a manageable condition and responds well to appropriate treatment.

How common is impetigo?

Impetigo is probably the most common skin infection among children between the ages of 2 and 5 years, but it can occur at any age. The high rate of occurrence in children is partly due to their close contact with others in settings like schools and nurseries, where bacteria and skin diseases can easily spread.

Adults can also get impetigo, although it's less common. In adults, it often appears when there is another skin condition or a break in the skin that allows bacteria to enter and cause an infection. Close contact with an infected child or another adult with impetigo is probably the most common way for adults to contract the infection.

How is impetigo diagnosed?

Impetigo is usually diagnosed through a physical examination of the skin. A doctor will look for the telltale signs of impetigo, such as red sores, blisters, and the characteristic yellow-brown crust that forms after these blisters burst. This visual examination is often enough to diagnose the condition.

In cases where the diagnosis isn't clear or if the infection isn't responding to typical treatments, a swab of the affected area may be taken for laboratory testing to confirm the presence of the bacteria causing impetigo. Early and accurate diagnosis is key to effective treatment and preventing the infection's spread.

Who is at risk of contracting impetigo?

Children are more susceptible due to their close contact, but it can affect adults, especially those in close contact with infected individuals or in crowded conditions.

Additional factors that can increase the risk of developing impetigo include:

• A weakened immune system
• Poor hygiene
• Frequent exposure to skin irritants
• Skin conditions that can damage the skin barrier, such as eczema or psoriasis
• Sharing personal items, such as towels, washcloths, and razors, with others

How do I know if it's impetigo and not another skin infection?

Determining whether a skin condition is impetigo or something else can sometimes be challenging. Here are a few tips to distinguish impetigo from similar skin issues:

Impetigo or cold sore?

• Cold Sores: These are usually caused by the herpes simplex virus and appear as small, fluid-filled blisters, primarily around the lips. They can be painful and often recur in the same area.
• Impetigo: Although impetigo can cause blisters around the mouth, they quickly rupture and form a honey-coloured crust, which is not typical of cold sores.

Impetigo or weeping eczema?

• Weeping eczema: This condition causes inflamed, itchy skin and can sometimes ooze fluid, creating a wet appearance. Eczema often affects larger areas of skin and is usually a long-term condition.
• Impetigo: Impetigo also causes blisters that may ooze, but these tend to develop into a distinctive crusty coating. Impetigo sores are more localised and usually clear up with treatment.

If you're unsure about a skin condition, it's always best to consult a healthcare professional.

Are there any complications of impetigo?

While impetigo itself is easily treatable, it can sometimes lead to complications if not properly managed. These include:

• Cellulitis, a deeper skin infection that can become serious if untreated.
• Scarring can also occur, especially if sores are scratched or not allowed to heal properly.
• Rarely, untreated impetigo can lead to kidney problems, such as post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis.

Management and impetigo treatment

Managing and treating impetigo effectively is key to prevent its spread and ensure quick healing. The treatment approach usually depends on the severity of the infection. For example:

Over the counter medicines

Some over-the-counter options, like an antiseptic nasal cream, can help in keeping the area clean and may alleviate symptoms. However, they are generally not sufficient to cure the infection.

Prescription medicines

Prescription treatments, typically antibiotics, are necessary for effectively treating impetigo. These need to be obtained through a healthcare professional who can assess the severity of the condition and prescribe the appropriate medication. Medications can include:

• Topical antibiotics: For milder cases of impetigo, applying an antibiotic cream or ointments such as Fucidin or Bactroban (Mupirocin) Cream directly to the sores is often effective. These topical treatments help to kill the bacteria on the skin and reduce the spread of infection.
• Oral antibiotics: In more severe cases, especially when the infection covers multiple areas or doesn't respond to topical treatment, oral antibiotics may be prescribed. These medications are taken by mouth and work to eliminate the bacteria from inside the body, treating the infection more broadly.

Hygiene practices

Along with medications, maintaining good hygiene is crucial. This includes washing hands frequently, keeping the infected area clean and covered with a bandage, and avoiding scratching or touching the sores to help prevent the spread of impetigo to other parts of the body or to other people.

Will impetigo go away on its own?

Impetigo can sometimes clear up on its own within three weeks. However, treatment is generally recommended as it can significantly shorten the infection duration and help prevent its spread to others. Timely treatment also reduces the risk of complications and promotes faster healing of the skin.

Online Assessment for Impetigo Treatment

Complete our short online assessment to determine the most suitable treatment for your impetigo. Our medical professionals will review your symptoms and, if appropriate, prescribe medication. We ensure privacy and discretion, delivering all medications in unmarked packaging to your home.