What is impetigo?
Impetigo is a bacterial skin infection that causes a rash that forms blisters and can ooze pus, causing a crust. Impetigo can be caused by different kinds of bacteria, including strep and staph. Usually, impetigo is easy to treat and rarely leaves scarring.
Are there home remedies for impetigo?
An impetigo infection is not serious and is very treatable. Mild impetigo can be handled by gentle cleansing of the sores, removing crusts from the infected person, and applying the prescription antibiotic ointment mupirocin (Bactroban). Nonprescription topical antibiotic ointments (such as Neosporin) generally are not effective.
What is the treatment for impetigo?
More severe or widespread impetigo, especially of bullous impetigo, may require oral antibiotic medication. In recent years, more staph germs have developed resistance to standard antibiotics. Bacterial culture tests can help a doctor to guide the use of proper oral therapy if needed. Antibiotics which can be helpful include penicillin derivatives (such as amoxicillin-clavulanic acid [Augmentin]) and cephalosporins such as cephalexin (Keflex). If clinical suspicion supported by culture results show other bacteria, such as drug-resistant staph (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus or MRSA), other antibiotics such as clindamycin, doxycycline (Doryx) or trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim or Septra) may be necessary.
What kind of doctor treats impetigo?
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Paller, A.S., and A.J. Mancini. Hurwitz Clinical Pediatric Dermatology, 3rd Edition. London: Elsevier, 2006: 366-367.
Tessaro, Mark Oliver. "Visual Diagnosis: A Boy with a Fever and a Swollen, Blistering Finger." Pediatrics in Review 37.5 May 2016.
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Altabax (retapamulin)
Altabax is indicated for use in adults and pediatric patients aged 9 months and older for the topical treatment of impetigo (up to 100 cm2 in total area in adults or 2% total body surface area in pediatric patients aged 9 months or older) due to Staphylococcus aureus (methicillinsusceptible isolates only) or Streptococcus pyogenes. Safety in patients younger than 9 months has not been established.Cefdinir vs. cefixime (Suprax) 3rd Generation Antibiotics
Cefdinir and cefixime (Suprax) are 3rd generation antibiotics called cephalosporins. Cefdinir and cefixime share similar side effects like abdominal pain, headache, rash, vaginitis, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. However, there are differences in the side effects of both drugs; for example, cefdinir may cause yeast infections while cefixime does not. Other differences in the side effects of these two drug are that cefixime may cause include, joint pain, fever, itching, and dizziness while cefdinir does not.Cephalosporins like cefdinir and cefixime treat wide variety infections caused by bacteria; for example, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Streptococcus pyogenes (the cause of strep throat), Hemophilus influenzae, Moraxella catarrhalis, E. coli, Klebsiella, Proteus mirabilis, Salmonella, Shigella, and Neisseria gonorrhoeae.
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clindamycin and benzoyl peroxide gel (Benzaclin, Acanya, Duac, Onexton)
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Impetigo: Treatment, Symptoms, and Complications
Impetigo is a contagious skin infection caused by staph and strep bacteria. There are two types of impetigo: nonbullous and bullous. Symptoms of nonbullous impetigo include small blisters on the nose, face, arms, or legs and possibly swollen glands. Bullous impetigo signs include blisters in various areas, particularly in the buttocks area. Treatment involves gentle cleansing, removing the crusts of popped blisters, and the application of prescription-strength mupirocin antibiotic ointment.Impetigo Picture
A bacterial skin infection caused by the staphylococcus or, more rarely, streptococcus bacteria. The first sign of impetigo is a patch of red, itchy skin. See a picture of Impetigo and learn more about the health topic.Impetigo Symptoms and Treatments Conditions
Impetigo is a mild infection and can affect any part of the body. Mostly, it affects the nose and mouth or arms or legs. Impetigo causes red, itchy sores, pus discharge and scabs that form over the sores.
Is Impetigo Contagious?
Impetigo is a contagious bacterial infection that usually occurs in children ages 2-5. There are two types of impetigo: bullous and nonbullous. With nonbullous impetigo, pus-filled blisters develop, ooze, and crust over on the patient's torso, in contrast with bullous impetigo, which is typically confined to the extremities and the face near the mouth.Penicillin (Antibiotics)
Penicillin antibiotics are prescribed to treat a variety of types of infections. For example, middle ear and sinus infections; bladder, stomach, intestines, and kidney; pneumonia; sepsis; meningitis; endocarditis; and many other serious infections. Examples of penicillin antibiotics, side effects, drug interactions, and pregnancy and breastfeeding safety information should be reviewed prior to taking any medication.