Complications of impetigo are rare, but they can sometimes occur and can be serious. Tell your pharmacist if you have impetigo and your symptoms change or get worse. Some complications associated with impetigo include: cellulitis – an infection of the deeper layers of the skin and underlying tissue scarlet fever – a rare bacterial infection that causes a… Continue reading Complications
Month: August 2022
Preventing to spread
During treatment, it’s important to take precautions to minimise the risk of impetigo spreading to other people or to other areas of the body. Most people are no longer contagious after 48 hours of treatment or once their sores have dried and healed. It’s important to stay away from work, school, nursery or playgroup until this point.… Continue reading Preventing to spread
Treating impetigo
Impetigo usually gets better without treatment in around two to three weeks. However, treatment is often recommended because it can reduce the length of the illness to around seven to 10 days and can lower the risk of the infection being spread to others. The main treatments prescribed are antibiotic creams or antibiotic tablets. These usually have to be used… Continue reading Treating impetigo
Symptoms of impetigo
There are two types of impetigo: non-bullous impetigo – the most common type bullous impetigo The symptoms of both types are described below. Non-bullous impetigo The symptoms of non-bullous impetigo begin with the appearance of red sores – usually around the nose and mouth but other areas of the face and the limbs can also be affected. The… Continue reading Symptoms of impetigo
Introduction impetigo
Impetigo is a common and highly contagious skin infection that causes sores and blisters. It’s not usually serious and often improves within a week of treatment or within a few weeks without treatment. Impetigo is the most common skin infection in young children in the UK, but it can affect people of all ages.
Prevention
A person cannot always prevent cellulitis from developing, but there are some ways to reduce the risk. Treat cuts and grazes: Keep any cut, bite, graze, or wound — including those from a recent surgery — clean to reduce the risk of infection. Practice thorough hygiene: Wash hands often, shower regularly, and wear clean clothes to decrease the skin’s contact with… Continue reading Prevention
Home remedies
Cellulitis requires immediate medical treatment, meaning it will not respond to home treatment. However, a person can do some things to feel more comfortable while waiting for medical attention and during treatment. Tips include: drinking plenty of water keeping the affected area raised to help reduce swelling and pain regularly moving the affected part of the… Continue reading Home remedies
Complications
Serious complications can arise in rare cases. They include: Permanent swelling: Without treatment, the person may develop permanent swelling in the affected area. Blood infection and sepsis: This life threatening condition results from bacteria entering the bloodstream, and it requires rapid treatment. Symptoms of sepsis include a fever, a rapid heartbeat, rapid breathing, low blood pressure, dizziness when standing… Continue reading Complications
Diagnosis
A doctor will examine the individual and assess their symptoms. The doctor may ask about any medications a person is taking, their symptoms, and their medical history. They may also collect a swab sample or take a biopsy to find out which type of bacteria is present. Laboratory tests can help rule out other possible causes,… Continue reading Diagnosis
Causes
Cellulitis is usually the result of bacteria from the Streptococcus and Staphylococcus groups. These bacteria are common on the surface of the skin, where they are not harmful. However, if they enter the skin, usually through a cut or scratch, they can cause an infection. Cellulitis is not usually contagious but can be spread through contact if a person with an open wound… Continue reading Causes