Contagious Rashes - Impetigo
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Impetigo is a very common and highly contagious bacterial infection that affects the skin. It is caused by either staphylococcus aureus ("golden staph") or streptococcus or a mixture of both these bacteria.
Impetigo is very easily spread by direct contact or by sharing towels, face cloths or other personal items from an infected child.
Impetigo has an incubation period of: 4-10 days
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- Tender red spots - this is the most common symptom of impetigo and they can especially occur all of the face (mostly around the mouth or nose), but also to other areas, such as the chest and hands
- Blisters - the red spots can develop into blisters, which are filled with a thick yellow pus that exudes when the blisters burst
- Golden-coloured scabs - this happens when the blisters start to heal
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- See a doctor - any child with suspected impetigo needs to see a doctor who can perform an examination to diagnose this condition
- Topical antibiotic - if the impetigo is mild, the doctor will prescribe a topical antibiotic to apply on the rash
- Saline solution - the doctor may recommend soaking the impetigo scabs in a saline solution, to soften them, before applying the topical antibiotic (in milder cases of impetigo)
- Oral (or intravenous) antibiotic - stronger antibiotics may be required if the impetigo is severe, given either orally (a tablet) or intravenously (by a needle into the vein)
- Separate personal care - the child's brush, comb and towel should be kept separate to everyone else's in the family, to prevent the infection from spreading
- Wash separately - wash all the child's towels, bedclothes and other items of clothing that may be in contact with the impetigo rash at high temperature (to kill the bacteria) and ensure to wash separately from the rest of the family laundry
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Last reviewed: 3 July 2009 || Last updated: 6 October 2009
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NOTE: Mega doses of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, or other supplements cannot cure illnesses and in fact can be very dangerous and produce toxic side effects and interfere with medicine you are taking. Always ensure you consult your doctor before taking any type of nutrient supplement.
Disclaimer: This guide is not intended to be used for diagnostic or prescriptive purposes. For any treatment or diagnosis of illness, please see your doctor.