What causes impetigo to spread?
Impetigo can spread to anyone who touches infected skin or items that have been touched by infected skin (such as clothing, towels, and bed linens). It can be itchy, so kids also can spread the infection when they scratch it and then touch other parts of their body.
What bacteria usually causes impetigo?
Impetigo is a common bacterial skin infection caused by Group A Streptococcus (GAS) or “strep.”
Is impetigo a serious disease?
Ecthyma can be very itchy. If your child scratches the irritated area, it can cause the infection to spread quickly. If you don’t get it treated, the sores may cause permanent scars and changes in skin color. A rare complication of impetigo is a severe kidney disease called post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis.
Who is most likely to get impetigo?
Anyone can get impetigo, but some factors increase someone’s risk of getting this infection.
- Age: Impetigo is most common in children 2 through 5 years old.
- Infections or injuries that break the skin: People with scabies infection are at increased risk for impetigo.
What bacteria causes impetigo?
The most common cause of impetigo is bacteria called Staphylococcus aureus. Another bacteria source is group A streptococcus. These bacteria lurk everywhere. The most common way for your child to get impetigo is when he has contact with someone who has the infection, such as playing contact sports like wrestling.
Which organism is responsible for impetigo?
Age: Impetigo is most common in children 2 through 5 years old.
How fast does impetigo spread?
Impetigo does not cause any symptoms until four to 10 days after you first become infected. This means that people can easily pass the infection on to others without realising it. There are two main types of impetigo, known as non-bullous and bullous impetigo, which have different symptoms.
What is the treatment for recurrent impetigo?
Doctors Diagnose Impetigo by How It Looks. Doctors typically diagnose impetigo by looking at the sores (physical examination).