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Tuesday, February 1, 2011

What is impetigo?

Impetigo can be described as a skin infection, seen mainly in infants and children. This infection is very contagious and is characterized by red lesions on the face, especially around the mouth and nose. Fortunately, this condition is rarely serious and requires no treatment because it disappears by itself within two or three weeks.

However, there are times when impetigo in children can lead to complications and when this happens, doctors may need to use antibiotics to treat the condition. Although anyone can develop impetigo, which is much more common in children between the ages of 2 and 6 compared with others. Babies also are vulnerable to impetigo, because their immune systems are not strong enough to fight off condition. Although rare, you may see the symptoms of impetigo in adults suffering from diabetes or any other condition that weakens your immune system. However, adults are more likely to develop a different form of impetigo, a minor.

Causes of impetigo

There are two types of bacteria that are known to be major causes of impetigo in children, these two bacteria include Staphylococcus and Streptococcus. These bacteria actually live on the skin without causing any problems until they enter the body, either through a wound or cut. When they do enter the body, usually lead to infection. This infection is transmitted from one individual to another through personal contact, or even just touching an infected person's belongings, clothes, towels and bedding. When staph bacteria enter the skin, produce some toxic substance that causes the infection spreading to surrounding skin. However, the most common causes of impetigo in adults are skin lesions caused by certain skin diseases such as dermatitis.

Symptoms of impetigo

There are three different types of impetigo and impetigo symptoms for each type may vary slightly. The most common form of this infection is contagious impetigo, followed by bullous impetigo. The most serious form of impetigo ecthyma, which is more common in adults than in infants or children. Some of the most common symptoms of impetigo in infants and children are:
  • Blisters that fill with fluid
  • Itching
  • Red sores that break soon
  • Oozing sores a couple of days before the formation of a yellow crust
  • Pus-filled sores that can develop into ulcers on the skin (only in the case of the severe form of impetigo)

Although impetigo is not a serious problem, some of its symptoms can lead to a lot of discomfort, so many parents view doctors and dermatologists, for information on remedies for impetigo.

Impetigo natural treatment

If the infection is not too severe, ie has not spread to a large area of the skin, there are several home remedies that can be used to reduce itching and redness. Here are some home remedies that could be part of impetigo natural treatment:
  • Mix one ounce of vinegar to 16 ounces of water and then soak the affected skin in this solution for 20 minutes or less. This makes it easier to get rid of the crusts carefully
  • Wash the area for at least three or four times a day and pat it dry before applying a topical ointment.
  • Use a nonstick dressing little to keep the affected area covered. This prevents the infection from spreading.

In the case of the symptoms of impetigo are evident even after two or three weeks, then it may be best to consult a doctor.

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