Page 36 - (DK) Home Doctor: Providing practical advice on home treatments

34 COMMON CONDITIONS

SKIN, HAIR, AND NAIL PROBLEMS

Impetigo

Impetigo is a common skin infection that mainly affects children. It can
appear anywhere on the body but most often develops on the face,
especially around the nose and mouth. Red, weepy sores develop;
the sores then blister and burst, and dry out to form an itchy, honey-
colored crust. Caused by bacterial infection, impetigo is highly
contagious and is spread by touch. The bacteria are present in small
numbers on healthy skin, but impetigo tends to develop when there
are minor cuts or scrapes that allow the bacteria to get under the skin. Impetigo sores

See your doctor first
PRACTICAL TECHNIQUE
Make an appointment to see your doctor to
confirm impetigo. The doctor will probably Washing infected areas Use the
prescribe antibiotics. following procedure to soften and remove crusts and
help the skin heal. (If you are using an antibiotic
ointment, do this before you apply the ointment.)
What you can do yourself ● Soak the affected area by applying a clean
washcloth soaked in warm water. Hold it over the
Impetigo usually clears up promptly with antibiotic skin for 1–2 minutes, being careful not to rub the
treatment, but the following measures will speed rash. Pat the skin dry with a towel. Repeat this
recovery and reduce the risk of the sores spreading. several times a day, washing your hands afterward.
● Do not cover the blisters. They will heal better
● Wash the affected area carefully (see PRACTICAL
if you leave them exposed to the air.
TECHNIQUE, right).
● Make sure your child has towels and washcloths
for his or her own use. Change them daily and
wash them in very hot water. Encourage your child Seek further medical advice
to wash his or her hands frequently, drying them
properly each time. Arrange to see your doctor again if:
● The sores spread or enlarge
● Remind your child not to touch or pick the scabs
● The impetigo rash has not begun to clear
or suck his or her fingers. Trim his or her nails to
within a few days
help prevent scratching.
● Your child develops a fever or starts to pass
● If your doctor prescribes an antibiotic drug or red- or brown-colored urine
cream, make sure you give your child the complete
course. Do not stop as soon as the impetigo
appears to be better.
● Keep your child away from other children until
there is no longer any crusting over the sores.
Your child can then return to school or day care.