IMPETIGO

Impetigo is a superficial skin infection caused by bacteria, usually of the staphylococcal type but sometimes streptococcus can also cause it. These bacteria can live on the skin and in the nose, and are transmitted from one person to another through direct contact with nasal secretions or the skin.

What is it?

Sunscreens are chemical substances that if applied on the skin, protect to some extent (not entirely avoiding) the harmful action of sun rays.

Impetigo is a superficial infection of the skin caused by bacteria, usually of the staphylococcal type. It is more common in children between two and six years. It usually begins when bacteria enters the skin through a crack, like a wound, scratch or insect bite. It is more common in children with atopic dermatitis who have lost fat barrier that protects them. Scratching will cause dryness producing an eczema that acts as a “gateway” for bacteria.

Symptoms

Initially lesions appear which look similar to a scratch (reddish color surrounding them). Subsequently vesicles and blisters with pus may develop. When these open up they leave honey-yellowish grouped crusts behind . It usually appears on the face (especially around the mouth and nose), arms and legs, but may appear in other areas. When the lesions are scratched they will spread, producing similar lesions in other areas on the skin. They are contagious.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis is clinical. The dermatologist can diagnose with a simple skin examination and medical history. In addition, a skin smear examination can be performed, thus identifying the causative agent. Must be distinguished from atopic dermatitis, fungal infections and bites.

Impetigo often develops due to a previous illness: fungal bites, viral herpes, various eczema infections, etc.

Early detection and treatment are important to avoid the risk of systemic diseases.

Treatment of Impetigo

Treatment should include antibiotics taken for a minimum of 7 days if the lesions are extensive. In very mild cases a treatment with topical antibiotics may be prescribed, but this case is not common. In addition, topical disinfectants such as soaps with chlorhexidine must be used by the patient and others cohabiting. The patient must return to the clinic for a follow up visit to rule out any other previous dermatological disease.

Dr. Pablo Umbert Millet

Director of Instituto Pablo Umbert · Dermatologist and Dermatopathologist

Dr. Pablo Umbert is one of the leading experts in clinical dermatology, dermatopathology, and Mohs micrographic surgery in Spain. With over 30 years of experience, an international career at the Mayo Clinic and Saint-Louis Hospital in Paris, and more than 100,000 biopsies signed, he remains active as an emeritus professor at Hospital Universitario Sagrat Cor, where he supervises clinical cases and trains new generations of dermatologists.