Treatment for Impetigo

Impetigo is not a serious or life threatening condition and normally clears up without any treatment within two to three weeks. All it requires is gentle handling of the affected areas and the correct medication. Make sure that you wash the skin several times during the day to keep the area clean and free of crusts and drainage. Use an antibacterial soap but do not scrub or rub the skin as this can aggravate the condition. Avoid scratching and picking at the sores as this can spread the infection as well. In cases of adults affected with impetigo, if the sores develop in areas where you shave, ensure that you shave around the sores so as to prevent the infection from spreading further.

If you or your child exhibit any of the symptoms of impetigo, it is best to consult with your doctor. The goal of any treatment for impetigo is to reduce the symptoms and cure the infection. Mild infections of impetigo generally respond well to prescription topical antibiotic creams such as creams containing mupirocin (Bactroban). Before applying any cream, wash the affected area with soap and water. Reduce the risk of spreading the infection by washing your hands well after the applying the cream as well. Alternatively, wear latex gloves when applying to ointment to the lesions.

More severe cases of the infection may require an oral antibiotic course as well. The antibiotics prescribed to treat impetigo normally contain special types of penicillin or similar medications. In case you have an allergy to penicillin, you may be prescribed erythromycin or other similar medications. There are side effects such as stomachache, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea that can develop due to these oral antibiotics. If the symptoms of impetigo have not reduced within a week of starting your medications or if the blisters continue to ooze and crust over, contact your doctor, as this is a sign of another underlying infection that needs treatment.

Diagnosis

Home Remedies