Written by: Zobiana Dillsworth
Impetigo, or “school sores”, is a bacterial skin infection that has different subtypes. All impetigo conditions are spread through contact with infected skin and/or objects. People with cuts, bug bites, rashes, or sores are more at risk of getting impetigo, while it affects more people in the summertime (1). Because of the contact type, 2-5 year olds are the most susceptible age group (hence the name “school sores”) (2).
Non-bullous impetigo is the most common. This subtype has several stages: itchy sores, busting sores, redness, swollen glands, and then crusts/scabs. Different areas of the body may be at different stages, meaning several of these types can appear simultaneously. The other type of impetigo is bullous impetigo, which causes fluid-filled blisters to appear on the skin. These blisters may become transparent before breaking open (3).
Many dermatologists can recognize the symptoms of impetigo immediately, but an official diagnosis may still be needed. To diagnose impetigo, doctors usually take a sample of one of the blisters. One treatment, retapamulin, is currently designed for children from 9 months to 12 years while anyone older than 12 will be prescribed mupirocin. These treatments are applied to the skin, but additional treatment may go into the nostrils to kill bacteria (4). If impetigo is left untreated, ecthyma may appear. Ecthyma is a skin condition that causes painful blisters that often lead to infection (3).
If you have symptoms of impetigo or any type of blister, see your doctor or dermatologist immediately. Avoid doing at-home care because you may infect the skin if the blister is open.
Image Source: Utah Valley Dermatology
References:
American Academy of Dermatology. “Impetigo: Overview.” American Academy of Dermatology, N.d., https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/a-z/impetigo-overview.
American Academy of Dermatology. “Impetigo: Who gets and causes.” American Academy of Dermatology, N.d., https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/a-z/impetigo-causes.
American Academy of Dermatology. “Impetigo: Signs and symptoms.” American Academy of Dermatology, N.d., https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/a-z/impetigo-symptoms.
American Academy of Dermatology. “Impetigo: Diagnosis and treatment.” American Academy of Dermatology, 11 March 2021, https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/a-z/impetigo-treatment.
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