Struggling with the signs and symptoms of impetigo, yet not quite sure how to treat it? Well don't despair. Learn more about this medical skin condition and how best to protect both your children, and yourself, from suffering future outbreaks.

What is it?

Primarily a skin condition that affects infants and young children, impetigo appears as blisters or sores on the face (especially around the mouth and nose) and may also show up on hands or forearms. And although children typically are the ones who suffer with impetigo, people at any age can contract this very contagious condition.

How do you get it?

This itchy condition results from bacteria entering the skin through cuts, insect bites or abrasions. People with eczema, scabies, herpes, chicken pox, or contact dermatitis are also highly prone to developing impetigo, as well. Unfortunately, it doesn't take noticeable breaks in the skin for the bacteria responsible for impetigo to cause an outbreak. Even if the skin isn't broken, impetigo can spread through skin-to-skin contact, such as in a crowded environment (classrooms, commuter trains, etc) or warm, humid environments (saunas, spas, gyms, etc...). And because there are several types of impetigo, it is very important to know which type you have: impetigo contagiosa, bullous impetigo or ecthyma.

The first, impetigo contagiosa, is a highly contagious form of impetigo caused by the bacteria streptococcus pyogenes (strep). Typically affecting the skin around the nose and mouth, or even the hands and forearms, it can be passed through scratching to other parts of the body, making it a very difficult to heal. Commonly beginning as itchy red sores or blisters, these blisters often rupture after about 24 hours, at which point they will ooze and weep for a few days, before forming a thick, honey-brown crust. Even though the blisters are itchy and leave behind a red mark as they heal, for the most part they don't scar, and the red mark should fade within a few weeks.

The next type of impetigo is bullous impetigo, caused by the staphylococcus aureus (staph) bacteria. Bullous impetigo ordinarily surfaces in children less than two years old as red, pus-filled blisters on the trunk, arms, and legs, which although unsightly, aren't normally painful. The clear pustules will ultimately rupture, forming a yellowish scab, before healing completely. Unfortunately, this type of impetigo is known to last longer than other forms and the pustules may be larger than with impetigo contagiosa.

Ecthyma, the most serious form of impetigo, attacks the dermis, or deeper layer of the skin. Painful, fluid-filled sores typically form on the legs and/or feet that ultimately become hard, grayish ulcers with a tough, crusty covering. Lymph nodes may swell during an outbreak and because the bacteria reach the dermis, the potential for scarring from ecthyma is high. Avoid scratching at these lesions and seek medical attention.

Treatment

To avoid contracting impetigo, be conscientious of wound care—particularly with children. Wash hands regularly with soap, and be careful to clean cuts, scrapes, bug bites, eczema, or any type of skin rash (such as contact dermatitis or poison ivy) as these can all provide an ideal breeding ground for the staph or strep bacteria. If you should find yourself facing a blister that resembles impetigo, first and foremost: schedule a visit with your doctor. A mild case of impetigo may heal without medication, but a more severe case will most likely need oral or topical antibiotics.

What can you do at home to help soothe impetigo? Keep the affected areas clean and covered, which should help prevent any further infection. Don't share towels, clothing, or bed linens and wash them separately in hot water. Refrain from soaking in a hot tub or sauna, and avoid swimming until all lesions have healed completely. In addition, you may need to keep children home from school during an active outbreak of impetigo.

Product Picks

To help ease the itching, gently apply Peter Thomas Roth Aloe-Cort Cream to lesions; rich with aloe vera and hydrocortisone, this calming cream will help sooth the affected areas.

Special considerations

Although impetigo can cause all sorts of unappealing skin lesions, with careful attention, it can be managed. However, because it is a skin condition that may require prescription medication, and because it is so contagious, always visit your doctor before trying any sort of at-home remedy. Keep them informed of the progress as the lesions begin to heal and above all—don't pick or scratch at the blisters!