Impetigo

Question 1

For impetigo, state:

- What it is, its main cause and its incubation period

Answer 1

• Highly contagious bacterial infection of the skin.
• Main causes are strains of staphylococcus aureus (‘staph’), sometimes Streptococcuspyogenes

Incubation period:
• 1-3 days

Question 2

For impetigo, state:

- How it causes infection

Answer 2

• These bacteria can live harmlessly on and inside various areas of the body
• Cuts and abrasions may allow the bacteria to cause infection to deeper skin tissues
• Infection can be associated with other conditions where skin is “scratched”

Question 3

For impetigo, state:

- General signs and symptoms

Answer 3

• Skin itches and reddens
• Small red spots change into blisters that fill with pus; usually on the face, hands or scalp
• The area develops a raised and wet-looking crust
• The scab dries, become crusted and falls off
• Severe impetigo may include additional symptoms

Question 4

For impetigo, state:

• Prevention
• Treatment (7)

Answer 4

• Avoid sharing towels, clothes, bed linen, nail scissors, tweezers, razors, or toothbrushes

Treatment:
• Keep child home until 24 hours after antibiotic treatment starts (or until blisters have dried)
• Clean blisters every 8-12hours
• Bath blisters with saline
• Pat dry with a clean towel
• Cover sores with watertight dressings
• Change linen daily whilst infection present
The skin completely heals after a few days