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What is Impetigo?

Impetigo is a very contagious skin infection mainly seen in young children but can happen in adults too. It is common around the nose and mouth but can spread throughout the body. This infection presents as red sores or blisters that pop up quickly and are followed by moist red patches with a honey-coloured or golden crust.

The root cause for Impetigo is bacteria Streptococcus (strep) or Staphylococcus aureus (staph). These bacteria may enter the skin through small cuts, insect bites or under the surface of broken skin. After the infection starts, it's readily spread by touching the sores or products like towels, clothes or toys which are contaminated.

Impetigo occurs more frequently in warm and humid environments and spreads easily in schools and daycares. In case you or your child experience symptoms of Impetigo, see a doctor immediately to prevent passing the illness onto other people and to alleviate the itchy, uncomfortable symptoms.

Common Causes of Impetigo

Impetigo is a skin ailment which leads to itchy red sores and makes life difficult. Knowing the common causes may help prevent its spread and manage the infection. Some of the common causes of Impetigo are mentioned below:

Close Contact: Impetigo spreads when someone touches an infected person directly. It's common in kids because children usually play close together and the infection can spread from one child to another easily.
Broken Skin: The bacteria that bring about Impetigo usually come through small cuts, scrapes, and insect bites on the skin. Even tiny breaks in the skin surface may allow bacteria to enter.
Contaminated Items: Sharing personal towels, bed linens, clothing or toys that touch the infected skin can spread Impetigo.
Crowded Conditions: Places where many people live together in close quarters (schools, daycare centres, sports teams) experience higher rates of Impetigo spread through close contact and shared items.
Warm, Humid Weather: Impetigo infections spread in warm and moist months. High humidity and warm temperatures help the bacteria grow.
Bad Hygiene: Not washing hands often or thoroughly can increase Impetigo risk, especially after touching infected skin or objects.
Weakened Immune System: Weakened immune systems or existing skin conditions such as eczema make people more sensitive to Impetigo as the skin may already have small pores and be less resistant to bacteria.

Signs and Symptoms of Impetigo

It is easy to recognise Impetigo if you know what symptoms to look for. Identifying the signs early may allow for timely treatment and avoiding spread of the infection to others. The common symptoms of Impetigo are listed below.