Impetigo is a highly infectious bacterial infection of the epidermis. It is commonly seen in children, particularly those children who live in hot, humid weather. Impetigo tends to afflict the skin on the face or the limbs where there is a breach due to abrasions, cuts, bites, or other trauma, or diseases.
The health care provider will observe the skin’s appearance, or he will swab the lesion for S. aureus, the offending microorganism. Nasal swabs from the patient’s family members are vital to spot if they are asymptomatic nasal carriers of S. aureus.
Seldom, is the condition serious, and more often than not, clears up on its own in about 3 weeks. On the other hand, impetigo can from time to time lead to complications, thus, treatment with antibiotics is important.
Causes Of Bullous Impetigo
Some of the causes associated with bullous impetigo include the following,
- Two types of bacteria are responsible for impetigo Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes.
- In adults, it occurs due to trauma to the skin, frequently because of dermatitis. Children get infected through an abrasion or a cut.
- You get exposed to these when you come in contact with the sores of someone who has the infection or you touch their things like towels, napkins, clothing, bed linen, and toys. Infection spreads rapidly.
Bullous Impetigo Symptoms
Bullous impetigo is associated with typical signs and symptoms which include the following,
- Red sores which rupture quickly, ooze for a few days and then form a yellow-brown crust.
- Painless, fluid-filled blisters.
- Itching.
- Occasionally, deep ulcers may form.
Home Remedies For Bullous Impetigo
Treatment speedily helps in the healing of the sores, improves the skin’s appearance and restricts the spread of the infection. Treatment includes:
- Hygiene and cleanliness: Keep the skin clean; mild infections tend to resolve on their own only by following complete hygiene.
- Topical antibiotic application: this helps manage the infection effectively. Before applying the cream, you must remove scabs so that the anti biotic can make its way in to the sore.
- Oral antibiotics: is for extensive impetigo. The specific anti biotic will depend up on the intensity of the infection and whether the individual has any allergy or medical condition. What’s impotent is that you must finish the full course of medication even if the sores heal before. This will prevent recurrence and will make anti biotic resistance less probable.
- Natural and home remedies are extremely effective as well. Vinegar has proved to be very beneficial. Mix 1 tablespoon of white vinegar in 1 pint of water; apply this to the affected areas. This makes it easier to get rid of the scabs. Thereafter, apply the antibiotic ointment 2 to 3 times every day. Wash the skin before each application, and pat dry.
- Do not scratch or touch the sores. Applying a dressing to the sore prevents the impetigo from spreading
- Aromatherapy can help too. Essential oils such as tea tree and lavender of are considerable value. Add 2 drops of each to your daily bath; they allay itching and discomfort appreciably.