Impetigo Treatment in Delhi, India

Impetigo can be classified based on the symptoms it showcases. They can be of the following types:

1. Non-Bullous impetigo: Red sores, often around the mouth and nose, sometimes appearing on other facial features and the extremities, are the first sign of non-bullous impetigo. When the sores rupture, they leave behind thick, golden crusts that are usually no more than 2 centimetres in diameter. These crusts might look like cornflakes that got glued to the skin. Once the crusts fall off, they leave a red stain that eventually disappears without leaving any scars.

   Discolouration often fades away within a few days to a few weeks. The blisters don't hurt, but patients could notice an itch. The illness may be transferred to other areas of the body and other persons if the sores are touched or scratched. Rare but possible additional symptoms include a high temperature (fever) and swollen glands.

2. Bullous impetigo: Fluid-filled blisters (bullae) form first, signalling the onset of bullous impetigo; they often arise in the body's midsection, between the waist and the neck, or on the extremities. The average size of a blister is 1-2 centimetres.

   Frequently, there is little scarring or permanent discolouration once the blisters heal. Blisters may be uncomfortable, and the skin around them can be irritating. Avoid touching or scratching the afflicted regions of skin, as with non-bullous impetigo. Bullous impetigo is characterised by fever and lymph node swelling.

A bacterial infection of the skin causes impetigo, most often caused by Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes.

There are two primary routes by which the bacterium may infect the skin. Through a break in what is otherwise healthy skin, such as a cut, insect bite, or another injury – is referred to as primary impetigo; through the skin that has been damaged by another underlying skin condition, such as head lice, scabies, or eczema – this is referred to as secondary impetigo. When impetigo is contracted in either of these ways, it is known as impetigo.

The germs may be readily shared by coming into close touch with someone who already has the illness. This can include direct physical contact and exchanging towels or flannels with the infected person.

The ailment doesn't show symptoms until four to ten days after the initial contact with the bacterium, so sometimes it's easy to transfer to others without intending to do so. Children and individuals who have diabetes or a damaged immune system – either as a result of a disorder such as HIV or a treatment such as chemotherapy – are most likely to acquire impetigo. People with weaker immune systems may also be more likely to develop impetigo.

Symptoms of impetigo may include:

• Sores around the mouth, nose, hands, and feet
• Blisters that ooze out and form honey-coloured crusts
• Intense itchy sensations
• Scarring
• Severe pain

If the healthcare provider suspects the presence of impetigo, he or she will likely search for sores on the body or face. In most cases, laboratory testing is not required.

Suppose the sores do not heal after receiving antibiotic therapy. In that case, the physician may take a sample of the liquid generated by a sore and analyse it to determine which antibiotics would be most effective on the sores. Hence, only a general physical exam and fluid testing are typically sufficient to diagnose impetigo.

Antibiotics are the standard method of treatment for impetigo. These antibiotics may be applied to the skin as a cream or an ointment or taken orally. A treatment plan for impetigo may involve

• Antibiotic ointments: Impetigo is treated with antibiotic ointment for five days if it only affects a tiny portion of the skin (this is particularly true if it is the non-bullous type of condition).
• If the illness has spread to other body parts or the ointment is ineffective, the doctor may recommend an antibiotic tablet or liquid for 7–10 days.
• Monitoring antibiotic therapy: The healing process should get underway within a few days of beginning antibiotic therapy. It is essential to monitor how the child responds to the medication and ensure they take it as directed. Without treatment, a more severe and widespread skin infection may develop.
• Plain soap and water: While the infection is still healing daily, the affected area should be washed gently with Plain soap, water and clean gauze. Warm soapy water should be used to soak any regions of crusted skin to assist in removing the crust's layers; however, removing all of the crust is not necessary.
• Bandages: Covering exposed infected regions with gauze and tape or a loose plastic bandage is likely recommended by the doctor or nurse while treating impetigo. This is done to prevent the infection from spreading to other body areas. It is essential to keep the child's fingernails short and clean to avoid scratching, which may cause the condition to get worse. After receiving their first dose of medication, most children can return to school or daycare the next day.

To lower the chances of getting impetigo again, patients should make sure any scrapes, scratches, or bites are kept clean. Make it a priority to treat any condition that might lead to cracked skin, such as eczema, as soon as possible.

If one gets impetigo regularly, the physician may recommend having a swab taken from the area around the nose to confirm the presence of staphylococcal germs. Although these bacteria may dwell in the nostrils of some individuals without causing issues, they can lead to impetigo if they infect damaged skin nearby. Impetigo is a skin infection that can spread to other body parts.

While it is quite impossible to prevent the occurrence of impetigo, specific measures can be taken to prevent it from spreading to others. They are:

• Those with impetigo should not share flannels, linens, or towels with anybody else — After each usage, put them through a cycle in a hot dishwasher.
• Clean the wounds with soap and water, and then cover them with a gauze bandage or loosely woven clothing.
• Avoid touching or scratching the sores; do not allow others to do these things. It is also helpful to keep the nails short and clean.
• Stay away from newborns, the kitchen, contact sports, and the gym in case of a cold or the flu. Until there is no chance of infection
• Hands must be washed thoroughly. In particular, after coming into contact with diseased skin.
• Toys must be washed. Toys that cannot be passed should be adequately cleaned using a cloth that has been wrung out in detergent and warm water, and then they should be allowed to dry thoroughly.

Even though impetigo is a common skin disease caused by bacteria, it does not indicate that the symptoms should be disregarded or that one must wait for the disease to clear up.

Recognising the warning signs and symptoms of this ailment and going to the doctor as soon as possible contribute to a speedier recovery. Hence, consult a doctor immediately in case the symptoms of impetigo are prominent.