Medical Encyclopedia

Impetigo is a skin infection that usually produces blisters or sores on the face, neck, hands and diaper area mostly among kids. The infection is generally caused by the bacteria belonging to the staphylococcus group, mainly staphylococcus aureus or streptococcus. The particularity of the disease is that it is likely to develop after the skin has been irritated by other skin disorders, such as eczema, poison ivy and insect bites. Moreover, it may occur after a sore or a rash has been scratched repetitively. As it causes severe itching, those suffering from the disease are prone to scratch the sores and then touch other parts of the body. Impetigo spreads to anyone who comes in contact with the infected skin or other items, such as clothing, towels, bed linens which have previously been touched by the infected skin. Thus, Impetigo proves to be a contagious skin infection.

When caused by the staphylococcus organism it begins as a large fluid-containing blisters which are likely to stay intact on the skin without bursting. When caused by streptococcus it starts by tiny blisters' appearing which eventually burst weeping fluid.

There are two types of Impetigo. Bullous Impetigo (large blisters) is cause by staphylococcus aureus. is most common and caused by both staphylococcus aureus and streptococcus. It starts around the nose and on the face but also may affect the arms and legs.

Impetigo is not considered to be a serious skin condition. It may go away and dry up on its own. As far as the treatment is concerned, Impetigo is a common condition for which the use of topical fusidic acid is appropriate. Topical fusidic acid is represented in Fucidin which is an antibiotic ointment. Usually a small area of the skin infected by Impetigo is successfully treated by Fucidin. But in case the infection has spread to other areas of the body Fucidin ointment alone may not work, that is why the doctor will prescribe an antibiotic pill or a liquid containing fusidic acid. The antibacterial agent of Fucidin penetrates into the bacterial cells and prevents their growth.

Before starting Fucidin ointment treatment one should gently wash the areas of the affected skin with clean gauze and anti-septic soap. One should soak the areas of the crusted skin in warm soapy water to help remove the layers of crust and after apply Fucidin ointment.

Impetigo therapy may include a combination of topical Fucidin and providone-iodine shampoo which demonstrates 90% of the infection reduction at 2 weeks treatment. There is also good evidence that topical fusidic acid and mupirocin are equally or more effective than oral treatment for patients with localized impetigo.