Are you looking for useful information about impetigo in children?
In this guide we will explain what impetigo is, how and why it occurs, and what methods are best to treat it.
By impetigo (or pyoderma) we mean a superficial bacterial infection of the skin, very common in pediatric age.
A less frequent and more severe variant is bullous impetigo, which involves the appearance of serum- or pus-filled blisters and vesicles.
A unique feature of impetigo is its strong contagiousness, which can occur by direct or indirect interhuman route.
Let’s now look in detail at how impetigo manifests in children and what resources we can take advantage of for treatment and cure.
Everything you need to know about impetigo in children
Here is a wealth of useful information on impetigo and our tips for learning about and treating the disorder effectively.
What is impetigo and how does it manifest itself
As we mentioned, impetigo is among the skin infections caused by staphylococcal or streptococcal bacteria.
Generally, the areas affected by the disorder are the face and the upper and lower limbs.
Impetigo in children is widespread and can be triggered not only by poor personal hygiene but also by eczema, mycosis, herpes or insect bites.
The disorder appears more in the summertime because the heat facilitates bacterial growth. Distinguishing impetigo is the extremely high contagiousness factor.
Symptoms of pyoderma
Symptoms related to the manifestation of pyoderma in children are:
Presence of small red papules, which later turn into vesicles filled with serous fluid;
These pus-rich boils on the body soon take on a yellowish hue until they give way to a honey-colored crust;
In cases of bullous dermatitis, episodes of fever and general malaise may occur.
These bubbles on the child’s legs, arms, and face are highly itchy: this will facilitate transmission of the bacteria, by the child himself, to larger portions of the skin.
Usually the first areas to be affected are the corners of the mouth and nose; after that, lesions spread throughout the body, particularly on the legs and arms.
Transmission of impetigo can occur through direct contact with lesions, but also through bedding, clothing, and towels.
Impetigo in adults can occur, but it is not very common.
Consequences
Impetigo in children needs prompt and immediate treatment. The consequences that the disease could generate, if not treated properly, can also be very significant.
The most severe forms of impetigo can, in fact, trigger serious pathologies affecting the internal organs, referring especially to renal complications.
In addition, the formation of pus-filled vesicles can result in ecthyma, a unique form of impetigo complicated by ulceration.
When the disease is not diagnosed early or if symptoms are ignored, there is a risk of also incurring satellite lymphadenitis, an inflammation of the lymph nodes.
Care and treatment
Impetigo in children definitely needs medical consultation for care and treatment of symptoms. As soon as these occur, it is important to get in touch immediately with a dermatology specialist who can make a timely diagnosis and provide the appropriate tools for treatment.
Usually treatment involves prescribing antibiotics in topical form such as, for example, mupirocin. In some cases, antibiotics to be taken orally may be supplemented.
To treat the lesions, it is necessary to subject the person with impetigo to antiseptic compresses that can promote the detachment of scabs. You must then remove all scabs and keep the affected areas covered with gauze.
In any case, all remedies for impetigo should be prescribed by a doctor: if you think your child is showing symptoms of the disease, do not hesitate to see a specialist right away and avoid taking action without a medical consultation.
If you think you may have come in contact with a form of impetigo in children and do not know how to remedy it, turn to our Studio: we are waiting for you in Rome, via Cola di Rienzo 212.
If you would like more information or to make an appointment at the office, call 06/45471658 or email info@.
