Skin conditions are common among children, not only because they have vulnerable skin, but also because they are exposed to bacteria and virus frequently at playgrounds and at school. Impetigo is one such skin condition symptomized by sores and patches on the skin.
Impetigo or Infantigo, also known as school sores, is the most common bacterial skin infection caused by the staphylococcus aureus or streptococcus pyogenes bacteria. It can infect both children and adults. Impetigo in kids causes red sores or blisters that break open, peel the skin, ooze fluid, and develop raw patches which dry to form brownish yellow or honey-coloured crust. Such sores are more common around the nose and mouth but can occur anywhere on the body.
Impetigo occurs commonly in kids – infants and children. It usually appears as red sores on the face, especially around the mouth and nose. Children in the age group 2-5 years are the most likely to get affected.
The disease can infect anybody; however, it is not very common in adults. A newborn baby with a weak immune system is at higher risk of contracting Infantigo. It is the most common in pre-schoolers, school going, and socially active kids as they indulge in physical games and often come in close physical contact with other kids.
Impetigo can be classified into three major types – Non Bullous, Bullous and Etchyma.
This is contagious in nature. It starts as red sores near the nose or mouth which eventually break open, ooze fluid and form honey-coloured crust / scab. This usually heals without leaving a scar. These sores are not very painful but may cause discomfort and irritation. You may notice a swelling of lymph nodes in the affected area. Fever is uncommon in this type of Impetigo. Scratching or touching the area may spread the sores quickly to other parts of the body.
This is common in kids above 2 years of age. It starts as little liquid-filled rankles that may become big, and once they break open, leave yellow scabs. They are generally found on the arms, legs, and torso. They are red in colour and can irritate the skin.
In this case, sores filled with pus turn into ulcers and reach the dermis – the deeper layer of skin. Once they break open, they turn into thick, hard, dark yellow scabs and leave behind scars. Lymph nodes are formed in the affected areas.
Children are more likely to become infected with Infantigo as their immune system is not fully developed. Here are some of the causes of Impetigo in children:
This disease spreads very quickly from one person to another. Though it is not airborne, it is highly contagious and spreads through close contact with the infected person. It can also spread by sharing toys, clothes, towel, bedding or any other items used by them. Scratching can spread it to other parts of the body as well.
If you are worried that your child may be afflicted, here are a few symptoms to watch out for:
Impetigo in kids can be diagnosed by a simple physical exam of the infected area. The doctor may inquire about health history, symptoms, recent insect bites, cuts, rashes, and contact with infected children or their belongings.
Further diagnosis may be required if symptoms are severe or recurring, or in case the child is not responding to treatment. A swab sample of liquid from the infected areas may be taken to determine the presence of any other skin infections. This is called culture and will help the doctor to determine the course of treatment required to cure the child.
Impetigo may clear on its own in a few weeks. Treatment of the same will also depend on the child’s age, general health condition and severity of symptoms.
Treatment may include antibiotics or anti-microbial drugs in the form of solid dosage or topical cream application to infected areas in order to heal the disease faster. You will be required to clean the infected area with warm water and medicated soap or sanitizer. Clean the area on and around the scabs tenderly to allow the anti-microbial ointment to penetrate deeper into the skin. You may want to wear gloves while handling the infected areas. Wash your hands thoroughly before and after handling the infected areas to avoid spreading the disease to other body parts. Make sure that you complete the prescribed medicine course even if you see the results visually. This is to prevent recurrence of the disease.
It is recommended to keep your kid at home and avoid school, daycare or playtime until he or she is recovered, typically 24 to 48 hours after you start treatment. This is to ensure that other children do not get infected.
Proper hygiene and cleanliness are important to avoid spreading the infection to other parts of the body. Impetigo is contagious, so keep your kids away from infected individuals. Currently, no vaccine is available for immunisation against this disease.
You will need to take care to ensure that kids do not spread the infection to others or worsen their own condition. The following home remedies can speed up recovery:
Children are primary victims as well as carriers of Impetigo. Some children may develop complications resulting from this infection:
There may be several reasons for recurrent Impetigo in a child.
Some basic discipline in terms of hygiene will ensure that kids do not spread this infection to others or make it worse for themselves
If you observe recurrent impetigo in child, it is advisable that you find the source of recurrence. Here are a few tips to avoid recurrent impetigo attacks in kids:
Impetigo is an infectious condition that is common among children. Maintaining hygiene goes a long way in preventing the incidence of the disease, and in ensuring swift recovery if it is contracted.