Impetigo – Causes And Remedies
The surface of the skin protects the inner tissues from bacterial infections. However, a scratch or break in the skin becomes the entry point of the bacteria, which invades the underlying tissues and even the bloodstream.
Impetigo is a common type of skin infection caused by bacteria. Impetigo usually occurs on the face of infants and children. The bacterial infection is characterized as red sores around the mouth and nose.
Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes bacteria that live on the surface of the skin cause infection when they enter the skin through a cut. The bacteria enter the skin through wound, cut, scratch or insect bite.
Impetigo is a highly contagious disease. Coming in direct contact with a person suffering from the bacterial infections or sharing towels, clothing or bedding of the person with impetigo could increase the risk of the disease.
The impetigo causing bacteria become active during the hot and humid weather. This infection usually occurs during the summer. People with poor immunity or with chronic dermatitis are vulnerable to this disease.
Although, impetigo is not a dangerous disease, in rare cases it might lead to other complications that could lead to life threatening illnesses such as cellulitis, kidney diseases and MRSA infection.
Types of impetigo
Impetigo is a broad term encompassing three types of infections – impetigo contagiosa, bullous impetigo and echythma. Impetigo contagiosa is a mild form of the disease. It occurs as red sores on the face, usually around the mouth and the nose.
Fluid or pus oozes out of the ruptured sores. Bullous impetigo occurs as pus filled blisters. They usually appear on the trunk and limbs of children below two years of age. Echtyma is the most severe form of the infection. The infection spreads to the dermis and can cause deep ulcers and inflammation of the lymph glands.
Oral and topical antibiotics are used for treating impetigo. Mild impetigo could heal naturally through proper hygienic care of the skin. Applying diluted white vinegar or apple cider vinegar on the affected area could help to heal the infection. Tea tree oil can also help to cure impetigo.
