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How to prevent Impetigo Skin Infection?

Prevention of any infection completely depends upon its detection. Generally symptoms of different infections are same besides 1 or 2 and so are their causes. Here we have covered the impetigo causes and symptoms.

Author: Michael Moak
Date: Nov 10, 2011 - 7:42:48 AM

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Forming the outermost layer of our body skin is the most exposed organ and covers the largest area. Encasing the entire body, it protects our internal organs from external materials and pathogenic attacks, allows sense of touching and maintains body temperature. Skin is made up of three layers: epidermis (outermost layer), dermis (middle layer) and subcutaneous fats (bottom or innermost layer).

Skin Infection- Definition
In simple terms, it is an infection that occurs due to any rupture or disintegration of the skin’s surface. Usually, bacteria, fungi, viruses and parasites are the cause of a number of skin diseases. One common bacterial skin infection is Impetigo- superficial and highly contagious.

Bacterial Skin Infection- Impetigo
Impetigo infection is most common amongst kids and children but may also occur in adults. A child who is already prone to skin problems, such as insect bites, wounds, cuts, etc. is more likely to develop Impetigo. Based on rash appearance, doctors can diagnose impetigo skin infection.

What Causes Impetigo?
It is commonly caused by Staphylococcus aureus. Most of the time people have this bacterium inside their nose. It is not evident as it doesn’t cause an infection inside the nose. If infected nasal fluid comes in contact with other parts of the body, it can cause impetigo infection. Impetigo infection developed on healthy skin is called primary impetigo.

Types of Impetigo Skin Infection
Bullous Impetigo Infection: Large fluid filled blisters which do not burst easily and last over a few days. It occurs in the area of skin folds and usually on abdominal area and back.
Non Bullous Impetigo Infection: Smaller sized blisters that last only for one or two days. It occurs on face, usually around mouth and nose.

Symptoms of Impetigo Skin Infection
Symptoms usually appear three to ten days after coming in contact with the bacteria for the first time. Common symptoms of Impetigo skin infection are:
1.Redness in the area of impetigo rash
2.Itching of skin/ rash
3.Appearance of small red spots (sores/lesions)
4.Blisters oozing yellow sticky fluid
5.Occasional swollen glands

Prevention and Treatment
Impetigo infection is highly contagious. Its treatment usually includes antibiotics. An antiseptic ointment may be prescribed if smaller area is infected. There are a number of ways to prevent Impetigo skin infection from occurring and spreading.
1.Routine hand washing preferably with warm water and soap
2.Keep your fingernails cut short
3.Use personal towels, soaps, etc.
4.Use sapy water to wash the affected area
5.Do not touch or scratch the sores
6.Keep the affected area covered

All these measures point towards maintaining good skin hygiene. Use of natural anti bacterial soaps like Defense soap for shower can provide additional protection.

View all articles by Michael Moak

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