Impetigo (cont.)
What is the treatment for impetigo?
Impetigo is not serious, often goes away on its own, and is easy to treat. Mild cases can be handled by gentle cleansing, removing crusts, and applying the prescription-strength antibiotic ointment mupirocin (Bactroban). More severe or widespread cases, especially of bullous impetigo, may require oral antibiotic medication for impetigo. In recent years, more staph germs have developed resistance to standard antibiotics. Bacterial culture tests can help guide the use of proper oral therapy if needed.
What are possible complications of impetigo?
One potential complication of impetigo caused by strep germs is glomerulonephritis, a kidney condition producing inflammation. Treating the impetigo does not prevent glomerulonephritis from occurring, but this very uncommon and usually causes no lasting kidney damage.
Will impetigo leave scars?
Because the crusts and blisters of impetigo are superficial, impetigo does not leave scars. Affected skin looks red for a while after the crusts go away, but this redness fades in a matter of days to weeks.
Last Editorial Review: 9/6/2007
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From the Doctors at MedicineNet.com  |
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- Rash - Learn about rash causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment. Common skin rashes include poison ivy, hives, shingles, eczema, contact dermatitis, ringworm, psoriasis and impetigo. Source:MedicineNet
- Staph Infection (Staphylococcus Aureus) - Read about Staph infection symptoms, signs (boils, rash), causes (Staphylococcus aureus bacteria), types, treatment (antibiotics) and complications (impetigo, cellulitis). Source:MedicineNet
- MRSA - Learn MRSA infection causes (methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus superbug), symptoms, signs, treatment facts and transmission by MRSA carrier. Source:MedicineNet
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