Impetigo – Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosis
Common Signs Doctors Look For:
| Symptom | Description |
|---|---|
| Red sores or blisters | Often on face or extremities |
| Yellow crust | Classic sign of impetigo |
| Pus or fluid | May signal deeper infection |
Doctors usually spot impetigo by checking the skin for telltale signs like red sores, yellowish crusts, or blisters. Most cases happen because of Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes bacteria.
If they see pus, bullous or nonbullous lesions, or signs of ecthyma, they take note. Sometimes, doctors order lab tests like a bacterial culture when sores don’t get better with antibiotics.
That way, they can pick the right treatment, especially if they suspect antibiotic resistance. Doctors will also review risk factors that make someone more likely to get impetigo, such as:
- Close contact in schools or daycare settings
- Skin injuries, bug bites, or existing skin conditions like eczema
- Warm, humid environments
- Recent infections or a weakened immune system
Accurate diagnosis ensures faster treatment and helps prevent spreading the infection to others.
Treatment
Doctors usually treat impetigo with topical antibiotic creams or ointments. People apply these medicines right to the affected skin two or three times a day, usually for 5 to 10 days.
Before you put on the ointment, it helps to soak the area with a warm, wet cloth and gently remove any crusts. That little step lets the medicine get in there and do its job.
If the infection looks more serious—maybe there’s ecthyma or lots of sores—doctors might prescribe oral antibiotics that fight skin infections, especially those caused by staph or strep bacteria.
It’s really important to finish all the medicine, even if the skin seems better early on. That helps keep things from coming back or getting worse.
Here’s a quick table of treatment options:
| Type | How Used |
|---|---|
| Topical | On the skin |
| Oral | By mouth |
Some individuals can run into complications—stuff like cellulitis, lymphangitis, or poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis. People with diabetes or weak immune systems might face rare issues, too. Covering sores with a nonstick bandage helps stop the spread.
Self care
Keeping the affected skin clean really matters. Gentle handwashing and using antibiotic ointment on sores or blisters can help things heal up.
Covering the area with a nonstick bandage lowers the risk of spreading impetigo contagiosa.
- Don’t share towels, bedding, or personal stuff
- Wash your hands after touching sores
- Let your healthcare provider know if things get worse
Good hygiene protects others at school, daycare, or home.
Getting Ready for Your Medical Visit
Taking a little time to prep can make your appointment go more smoothly. Before you head in, jot down all symptoms: red bumps, skin sores, fever, or itchy spots.
Notice if there’s clear fluid coming from sores or if lymph glands seem swollen. Make a list of all medicines, vitamins, or supplements you’re taking.
Include any past skin issues like atopic dermatitis, recent insect bites, chickenpox, or infections with group A streptococcus or methicillin-resistant S. aureus.
If you’re bringing a child or someone who’s around others a lot, maybe call ahead and ask if there’s anything you should do to prevent spreading illness—especially in the waiting room.
| Information to Gather | Examples |
|---|---|
| Symptoms | Red bumps, fever, clear fluid, itching |
| Medications & Supplements | List all being taken |
| Medical History | Skin conditions, recent injuries, family |
| Exposure | Family with sores, poison ivy, chickenpox |
Questions to Bring Up During the Appointment
You might want to ask:
- What’s likely causing the skin sores or bumps?
- Do we need any tests to know if it’s impetigo or something else?
- Which treatment works best for adults or kids in the house?
- How can we stop this from spreading to family members?
- Are there special skin care steps during healing?
- What signs should I watch for that mean rare complications, like post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis?
Having your questions written down can really help make sure you don’t forget anything.
What the Doctor Will Want to Discuss
The doctor will probably ask when the sores first appeared. They might want to know if anything about them has changed since then.
Expect questions about pain or itchiness. They’ll also ask if you’ve had any recent cuts, scrapes, or stings.
Have others in your household noticed similar symptoms? The doctor will want to know if this has happened before or if it’s something new for you.
They might check if you’ve been around anyone with a skin infection lately. Sometimes, they’ll ask if anyone at home has been sick recently.
Honestly, it helps to think about these things ahead of time. You might find the visit goes a lot smoother if you come prepared.
