Impetigo

Impetigo - what is it?

Impetigo is a highly contagious bacterial infection of the skin which is more common in children. It appears as small blisters or scabs and develops into light yellow crusts.

How do I know if I or someone I know has impetigo?

There are several different types of impetigo:

• The common form (non-bullous impetigo) red sores which start on the nose, mouth or face but can spread to the arms and legs
• The less common form (bullous impetigo) which appears as blisters on the trunk of the body that spread quickly, often to the buttocks and after bursting leaves a yellow crust.

What are the symptoms of Impetigo?

The symptoms of impetigo may not appear until around 4 to 10 days after being infected. The main symptoms are:

• Itchiness
• Can cause mild pain or discomfort

How is impetigo caught?

Impetigo is contracted via:

• Direct contact with someone who is already infected
• Arising spontaneously due to the bacterial agents that exist on the skin

How common is impetigo?

Impetigo is more common in children and known to infect around 1% of children in the UK.

How can I treat impetigo?

• Impetigo is normally treated with an antibiotic cream or lotion or oral antibiotics (consult your doctor or pharmacist for more information)
• Infection can rapidly spread in your household via infected laundry, especially bed linen and towels. Eradicil can help fight the infection in your household by using one capful in the pre-wash cycle.

How can I prevent getting impetigo?

• Ensure good personal hygiene - regular showering and use of an antiseptic soap if someone in your household has already suffered from impetigo
• Treat minor skin injuries to reduce the risk of further infection