Impetigo

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

Impetigo (im-pe-TEYE-go) is a common skin infection (in-FEK-shun). It is also called pyoderma (peye-oh-DER-mah). It is caused by a germ called a bacteria (bak-TEE-ree-ah). Sores are found most often around the mouth and nose, but can occur anywhere on the skin. The infection is easily spread to others. Treatment includes cleaning your skin, using antibiotic (an-ti-bi-AH-tik) medicine, and allowing your skin to heal without spreading the infection.

AFTER YOU LEAVE:

Medicines:

• Keep a list of your medicines: Keep a written list of the medicines you take, the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list of your medicines or the pill bottles when you see your caregivers. Do not take any medicines, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, herbs, or food supplements without first talking to caregivers.
  
  
• Take your medicine as directed: Always take your medicine as directed by caregivers. Call your caregiver if you think your medicines are not helping or if you feel you are having side effects. Do not quit taking your medicines until you discuss it with your caregiver.
  
  
• Antibiotics: This medicine is given to fight infection caused by bacteria. It can be given as a pill to swallow, or as a cream or ointment that is put on the infected skin. Always take your antibiotic (an-ti-bi-AH-tik) medicine exactly as ordered by your caregiver. If you are using a cream or ointment, wash your hands before and after applying it. If you are taking pills, take them until they are gone, even if your skin gets better. Stopping antibiotics without your caregiver's OK may make the medicine unable to kill the germs causing your infection. Never "save" antibiotics or take leftover antibiotics that were given to you for another illness.

Home care:

• Hand washing: Always wash you or your child's hands after caring for or touching the sores. Hand washing with soap and warm water should be done often. You should also wash your hands before touching food, your eyes, or other people. If no water is available, use germ-killing hand lotion or gel to clean your hands. Alcohol-based hand lotion or gel works best. You should then wash your hands with soap and water as soon as it is available.
  
  
• Skin care: Wash your skin sores with antibacterial (an-ti-bak-TEE-ree-al) soap and water. You may need to do this two to three times a day until the sores heal. If the area is crusted, soak the area with warm soapy water before washing. Gently wash the sores with gauze or a clean wash cloth to remove the crust. Removing the crust helps the healing of the sores. If possible, cover the sores with gauze to prevent scratching and accidental touching of the area. Keep fingernails cut short since scratching the sores can cause the infection to spread. A child with impetigo may need to wear mittens on his hands to prevent scratching the sores.
  
  
• Around the house: Do not share or reuse items that have come in contact with impetigo sores. Examples may include bedding, towels, washcloths, or eating utensils. These items may be used again after they have been cleaned with hot water and soap. You can clean these items by hand, or by using a dishwasher or washing machine.

Returning to work or school: You may return to work or school 48 hours after starting the antibiotic medicine. If your child has impetigo, call their school or day care center and tell them about your child's infection.

Avoiding impetigo in the future: If someone has impetigo, do not touch their skin. Keep yourself and your children clean, and clean your home often. Wash any new skin injury with soap and water right after it happens. Keep any area of injured skin clean until it heals.

CONTACT A CAREGIVER IF:

• You have a fever (increased body temperature).
  
  
• The sores become more red, swollen, warm, tender, or spread.
  
  
• The sores do not begin to heal within three days after starting treatment.
  
  
• You or your child has problems that may be related to the medicine you are taking (such as rash).
  
  
• You or your child has swelling in your face, hands, or ankles.
  
  
• You or your child is passing less urine than normal, or the urine becomes pink or red in color.

SEEK CARE IMMEDIATELY IF:

• You or your child has swelling in your mouth or throat.
  
  
• You or your child has new or worsening trouble breathing.

Copyright © 2008 Thomson Healthcare Inc. All rights reserved. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.

The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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