Impetigo

Impetigo is a skin infection that most often affects infants and children. This infection can appear anywhere on the body but usually develops on the face, arms, and legs. The main symptom is the formation of red sores around the nose and mouth. These sores ooze for a few days and then form yellow-brown crusts.

Scratching often leads to excessive scratching, especially in children, thus promoting the spread of the infection. The disease is extremely contagious and can spread to other areas of the skin of the person or to other people.

Impetigo is caused by bacteria, most often Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus. Poor hygiene and a humid environment are also risk factors. Transmission occurs through physical contact, such as a handshake, and some people carry these bacteria in their nostrils and can infect themselves from this reservoir of bacteria.

It is best to prevent children from scratching to avoid spreading the infection. Cleaning with a disinfectant soap and then applying antibiotic cream heals the sores. In some cases, your doctor may prescribe medication to be taken orally.

This disease is very contagious; the infected person should not scratch and must observe hygiene measures to prevent transmitting the infection to others.

You can find very useful information in the article My child has impetigo on the Planète santé website.