What are the 3 types of impetigo?
There are 3 kinds of impetigo:
- Nonbullous impetigo. This is the most common form in adults. It causes thick, honey-colored crusts.
- Bullous impetigo. This causes large blisters on the skin.
- Ecthyma. This is a more serious form that often results from untreated impetigo.
What is the root cause of impetigo?
Impetigo is caused by bacteria, usually staphylococci organisms. You might be exposed to the bacteria that cause impetigo when you come into contact with the sores of someone who’s infected or with items they’ve touched — such as clothing, bed linen, towels and even toys.
Is impetigo a STD?
While impetigo is a contagious skin infection, it’s caused by bacteria (either staphylococcus or streptococcus strain) while herpes simplex virus (both type 1 and type 2) are caused by viral infections.
How do I stop getting impetigo?
Other tips to avoid impetigo include:
- Keep hands clean: Wash hands regularly.
- Practice good hygiene: Clip your (and your child’s) fingernails regularly to avoid scratching.
- Avoid scratching: Don’t scratch cuts or wounds.
- Clean wounds: Clean cuts, scrapes and injuries with soap and water.
What is impetigo?
Impetigo is an old disease. The name dates back to 14th-century England and comes from the Latin word impetere, meaning “to attack.” “Attack” seems a fitting description for this easily spread infection. Bacteria thrive in hot, moist conditions. So impetigo tends to be seasonal, peaking in the summer and fall in northern climates.
Is there an over-the-counter treatment for impetigo?
There is no over-the-counter (OTC) treatment for impetigo. Untreated, impetigo often clears up on its own after a few days or weeks, Smith says.
What is Impetigo caused by strep?
Impetigo is a skin infection caused by one or both of the following bacteria: group A Streptococcus and Staphylococcus aureus. This page focuses on impetigo caused by group A Streptococcus (group A strep). In addition to impetigo, group A strep cause many other types of infections. When group A strep infects the skin, it causes sores.
What happens If impetigo is not treated?
It occasionally happens when impetigo isn’t treated. Ecthyma goes deeper into the skin than the other forms of impetigo, and it’s more severe. The infection forms painful blisters on the skin of the buttocks, thighs, legs, ankles, and feet.