Video:Causes and Treatment of Impetigo

Transcript:Causes and Treatment of Impetigo

Hi I'm Doctor Howard Goldberg from the Cosmetic Dermatology and Aesthetic Laser Center in Swampscott, Massachusetts.  Today for About.com I will be discussing causes and treatment of Impetigo.

Impetigo is a Bacterial Infection

Impetigo is a fairly common superficial bacterial infection that occurs most often in children and usually starts on the face and rapidly spreads to involve other areas.  It is very contagious to the person with the disease as well as to family contacts or friends.  The disease usually starts as a small blister which enlarges and then rapidly breaks and the wound will ooze and dry and form a honey-colored crust.

The disease is caused usually by Staphylococcus aureus bacteria, but also may be caused by Beta Hemolytic Streptococcus bacteria.  Sometimes the disease is caused by a combination of the two bacteria. 

Treating Impetigo

In treating the disease smears are sometimes taken and sent off to the laboratory for a culture and then based on the results of the culture the appropriate antibiotic may be necessary.  In addition the skin should be washed regularly with a good antibacterial cleanser such as Chlorhexidine and also an antibiotic ointment like Mupirocin ointment should be applied. The treatment sometimes can be helpful.

Preventing the Spread of Impetigo

And precautions should taken to try to prevent the spread of the disease from one family member to another by making sure that they use their own washcloth and towel and that hands are washed quite a bit, but obviously it's something that one would have to consult their local dermatologist to get further information on.Thanks for watching.  To learn more visit About.com.