Impetigo is a bacterial skin infection that is most common in children and causes swelling of lymph nodes, red bumps, rashes that can spread and cause red, raw skin, pus filled blisters, skin lesions on the lips, nose, ears, arms, etc. Impetigo appears as sores and blisters, particularly around the nose and mouth but it can appear in other areas.
Consult with the best dermatologists for impetigo treatment at the CK Birla Hospital in Delhi.
Impetigo is caused by bacteria that lead to infection. Staphylococcus aureus, group A streptococcus, are the most common impetigo infection. An untreated impetigo infection can lead to deep skin infections like cellulitis, lead to kidney problems, cause rheumatic fever or scarlet fever, etc.
Non-bullous Impetigo: Referred to as early-stage impetigo causing itchy sores that burst leading to red and raw skin.
Bullous Impetigo: Characterized by large pus-filled blisters that stay on the skin for longer without bursting.
Ecthyma: This type of impetigo develops when the condition is left untreated and causes infection in the deeper layer of the skin and ulcer like sores causing pain.
Topical Antibiotics: This is usually the first-line treatment and is preferred for localised infection.
Oral Antibiotics: Treatment through oral antibiotics is preferred for moderate to severe cases and recommended for widespread infections.
Topical Antibiotics: Generally costs around Rs 300 to Rs 500
Oral Antibiotics: Priced between Rs 300 to Rs 1000
Please note that prices may vary according to individual condition and advised prescription.
Diagnosis of impetigo can be done by a thorough physical examination by a dermatologist. The doctor may take a skin culture to test & prescribe the medications.
Impetigo treatment usually takes around 48 hours to recover with proper use of antibiotics.
Yes, impetigo is a highly contagious skin infection.
Yes, impetigo is generally considered a self-limiting condition.
Mild to moderate impetigo cases take 2 – 3 days to recover, while severe cases may take a few weeks to recover.
For mild cases home remedies like honey, tea tree oil, and aloe vera can be used to soothe the symptoms, however, for severe cases consulting a doctor is recommended.
Generally, impetigo is characterised as itchy and it can be sometimes painful.
Yes, impetigo is a highly communicable disease.
No, impetigo doesn’t spread inside the mouth.
Yes, impetigo is a contagious skin infection that can occur around the eyes, including on the eyelids.
No, impetigo doesn’t typically have whiteheads.
Impetigo is a bacterial skin infection.
