MRSA Notes

From The Galveston Daily News:

Impetigo is a common and highly contagious skin infection caused by two types of bacteria, streptococcus or staphylococcus. The bacteria enter the skin through scratches, small cuts or insect bites. Anyone can get impetigo, but it normally occurs in young children. It may affect the skin anywhere on the body, but the most common places that it occurs are around the nose and mouth, hands and forearms.

An impetigo infection appears four to 10 days after exposure. When impetigo is caused by streptococcus, it first appears as tiny blisters that eventually burst and leave small, wet patches of red skin. These patches eventually develop tan or yellowish-brown crusty, scab-like covers. When it is caused by staphylococcus, larger fluid-filled blisters appear clear and eventually become cloudy. These blisters usually stay intact longer on the skin without bursting.

Impetigo can be spread through direct contact with the infected skin or anything that has touched the infected skin, such as clothing, towels, sheets and blankets. It can also be spread to other parts of the body. For example, if a child has impetigo on his or her arm and then touches the other arm, the infection can spread.

It is usually treated with antibacterial ointment that is put on the infection. If the infection has spread to other areas on your child’s skin, your pediatrician may prescribe oral antibiotics.

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