If you got red sores, particularly around your mouth or nose, then you might have impetigo, You will need the best treatments for impetigo. Impetigo is a skin infection caused by particular bacteria and can spread easily. It usually affects young children and babies, however, adults can have it too!

Understanding Impetigo

Impetigo is an old disease and its name dates back to the 14^th century England. The term comes from impetere, a Latin word meaning “to attack”.

Impetigo is a bacterial infection on the outer layers of the skin and is caused by Streptococcus pyogenes or Staphylococcus aureus. The most affected skin areas are usually on the legs, arms, and face.

Anyone can have impetigo; however, it is more common among kids, particularly 2 to 5 years old. As a matter of fact, impetigo accounts for around 10% of skin problems in pediatric clinics.

The bacterial infection usually begins as rashes like eczema, insect bites or minor cuts, almost any place where the skin is damaged. However, it can also occur on healthy skin.

What Are The Symptoms?

Impetigo sores can appear anywhere in the body, however, children usually get them on the face and sometimes show up on their legs and arms.

The infected spot can range from a dime to quarter size. These sores start as tiny blisters which break and show moist, red skin. In a few days, this spots will get covered by a grainy and gold crust which will then spreads at the edges.

The bacterial infection can invade a deeper layer of the skin and change into a type of impetigo called ecthyma. In this case, the patient will have pus-filled bumps with crusts that are much thicker and darker than ordinary impetigo.

This can be very itchy and if the patient scratches it more, then the Infection can spread more quickly. If not treated, the sores can cause permanent scars and change the skin color.

Is It Contagious?

Yes, it is!

The open sores are very contagious. Scratching it can spread the infection from one area on your skin to another, or to another individual. The infection might also spread from anything that the infected individual touches.

Since it spreads very fast, impetigo is also known as “school disease” It can rapidly spread from kid to kid in a classroom where children are in close contact. It also spreads quickly in families for the very same reason.

In order to control the contagiousness of impetigo, hygiene is the key. If you or your kid has impetigo then you need to disinfect and wash everything that the infection comes in contact with, including toys, towels, bedding, clothes or sports equipment.

3 Types of Impetigo

Impetigo is classified into 3 types based on the bacteria that caused them and the type of sores they create. Here are the 3 types of impetigo:

1. Nonbullous Impetigo

Also called as impetigo contagiosa, nonbullous impetigo is mainly caused by the Staphylococcus aureus but it can also be caused by Streptococcus pyogenes or a combination of both. With an estimated 70% cases, it is the most common type of impetigo that affects most people.

This type of impetigo typically starts with reddish spots which develop to small red blisters around the nose and mouth. The size of the blisters can range from 1 to 2 cm in diameter. These clusters of blisters can spread to other areas of the skin.

In a few days, the blisters will burst and develop brownish-yellow crusts with the surrounding skin look raw and red.

This type of impetigo is itchy; however, it is not that painful. Once the crusts healed, the reddish spots will then fade and do not leave scars.

2. Bullous Impetigo

Caused by Staphylococcus aureus, bullous impetigo typically forms bullae or larger blisters filled with a clear liquid which becomes cloudy and darker. These blisters can be 2 cm in diameter.

Usually, the blisters start to begin on an unbroken skin and are not surrounded by reddish areas. These blisters become limp, and then they burst open. After that, a yellowish crust will form over the sore.

This type of impetigo is usually seen in newborns, particularly in their neck folds and diaper area. For older ages, it usually appears in the legs, arms, and trunk. Just like nonbullous impetigo, bullous impetigo usually leaves no scars after healing.

3. Ecthyma

Caused by Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes or both, ecthyma is a more serious form of impetigo.

Ecthyma forms little, pus-filled sores with thicker crusts and goes deeper into the skin than other types of impetigo. It can be very severe since it is sometimes accompanied by swollen glands.

Unlike the other two types of impetigo, ecthyma blisters can be quite painful and develop into deeper and larger sores between 0.5 and 3 cm in diameters. The sores progress with thick crusts and are surrounded by a reddish-purple skin.

Ecthyma usually appears on the feet, ankles, legs, thighs, and buttocks. Untreated bullous or nonbullous impetigo can sometimes develop into ecthyma. It heals slowly can leave scars after healing.

Complications of Impetigo

Although rare, impetigo can have complications, particularly with higher risk complication on adults. Complications of impetigo include:

• SSSS OR STAPHYLOCOCCUS SCALDED SKIN SYNDROME: Another serious skin condition.
• QUTTATE PSORIASIS: Non-infectious skin condition which can affect both young adults and children.
• SCARLET FEVER: Rare bacterial infection caused by the Streptococcus pyogenes.
• SEPSIS: Bacterial infection of the blood.
• LYMPHANGITIS: Inflammation of lymphatic channels.
• CELLULITIS: Serious bacterial infection of the tissues under the skin that can spread to the bloodstream.
• POST-STREPTOCOCCAL GLOMERULONEPHRITIS: Serious inflammation of the kidneys’ small blood vessels.

Preventing Impetigo and Its Spreading

Children with impetigo are advised to stay home until their condition is no longer infectious. This is also advised to adults working in order to avoid close contact with others.

Good hygiene is the key in order to prevent impetigo and its spreading:

• Do not share any personal items with someone suffering from impetigo
• Disinfect and clean surfaces, toys, equipment which might have come in contact with impetigo
• Change clothing, towels and bed linens every day, just until the sores are no longer infectious
• Wash everything which comes in contact with impetigo stores in laundry bleach and hot water
• Do not scratch or touch open sores since it will spread the infection
• Keep your nails clean and clipped
• Cover any insect bites or skin wounds in order to protect the area
• Frequent hand washing and regular bathing can eliminate skin bacteria

Treating Impetigo: 10 Best Treatments for Impetigo

Treatment for impetigo speed up healing, prevent spread and complication of the infections and improve the skin appearance. The type of treatment usually depends on the form of impetigo and its severity.

If the infection is mild, then the doctor might only recommend keeping the skin clean. However, a more severe infection requires antibiotic treatments.

Here are the top 10 product treatments for impetigo:

1. Betadine Antiseptic Ointment

Betadine antiseptics is the most common and effective antiseptic available that kills all known types of infectious organisms— fungi bacteria as well as viruses. It is recommended for the treatment of common skin conditions and also preventing infections in abrasions cuts and minor burns.

Betadine can be used on skin problems such as ringworm, boils, chicken pox sores, impetigo, paronychia, tinea, and blisters. It contains Povidine-iodine which has fungicidal, sporicidal, bacterial and virucidal effects.

2. Terrasil Anti-Bacterial Skin Repair Ointment

Terrasil is among the leading brands that will put you to the road of recovery, three times faster than other brands. It is recommended by most doctors, thanks to its formula backed by numerous clinical researches which makes it an effective bacteria killer and provides a speedy process.

It contains organic and natural ingredients without the harsh chemical that might irritate your skin or slow down your healing. It’s safe for sensitive skin soothing, fragrance-free, alcohol-free, paraben-free, dye-free and non-irritating.

Terrasil Anti-Bacterial Skin repair Ointment delivers FDA approved active ingredients and is good for skin conditions such as impetigo, cuts, scrapes, boils, fissures, burns, inflammation of hair follicles, cellulitis, and more!

3. THENA Natural Wellness Topical Healing Cream

It effectively reduces inflammation, thanks to its powerful anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties are known for targeting cracked skin, redness, scaling, dryness and itchy skin. It can be easily absorbed by the skin, without blocking the pores and is gentle and safe for all types of skin.

4. PURIYA Mother of all Creams

PURIYA’s topical cream does more than just providing instant relief from itchy, flaky, cracked and dry skin. It also reduces the pain and can improve the condition of damaged skin when other treatments fail. This topical cream deeply hydrates and softens sensitive skin as well as stimulating cell regeneration in order to repair your damaged skin.

PURIYA cream is free of harmful chemicals and fights skin conditions and damages and all types of severe to mild swelling and redness caused by certain skin conditions. It is safe to use on the feet, hands, body and even in the scalp.

5. Oleavine TheraTree Therapeutic Tea Tree Oil

This therapeutic tea tree oil from Oleavine TheraTree helps clean and provides a strong defense against bacteria and fungi responsible for acne, jock itch, ringworm, athlete’s foot, body order and other skin condition such as impetigo and eczema.

Therapeutic Tea Tree Oil Soap has nourishing botanical essence rich in omegas 9, 7, 6 and 3 that moisturize and soothes inflamed, dry and itchy skin. It contains only natural and organic ingredients so it is safe for sensitive skin. It also scented with cooling mint essential oils the smells wonderful and invigorates the body.

6. NZ Country 100% Manuka Oil

This oil can be used as a poison ivy and insect bite remedy or as a topical cream for killing infectious bacteria and fungi that cause various skin conditions such as rashes, jock itch, nail fungus, athlete’s foot, ringworm, eczema, and impetigo.

7. HoneySkin Organics Aloe Vera

HoneySkin Organics offers a multipurpose and organic cream solution for any skin conditions. It provides fast results for itchy, redness and dry skin. It heals and soothes the skin as well as nourishing it for healthier looking skin.

It’s non-allergenic, non-greasy and unscented. This cream is quite effective in addressing certain skin conditions such as shingles, acne psoriasis, eczema, rosacea, and impetigo.

8. Born to Nature Antifungal Body Wash

Highly concentrated, this antifungal body wash from Born to Nature makes your skin feel soft and rejuvenated. It is formulated with patented antimicrobial and antibacterial properties and premium ingredients from the US, Italy, and France.

This body was delivers killing effects in virus, bacteria and fungi activities while providing the body with bioactive nutrients like minerals, vitamins, Omega 9, 7, 6 and 3 as well as tea tree oil and other essential oils that help soothe inflamed, dry and itchy skin.

It also helps provides instant relief from pain and help fight various skin conditions such as acne, body odor, impetigo, Versicolor, tinea, ringworm, nail fungus, athlete’s foot, and jock itch.

9. EmuaidMAX Ointment

Made from all natural ingredients, EmuaidMAX ointment is an effective treatment for more than a hundred resistant skin conditions such as nail fungus cellulitis, psoriasis, lichen sclerosis, hemorrhoids, eczema, and impetigo.

This ointment is designed to penetrate the skin and nails and has a unique delivery system which helps carry powerful healing agents deep into your skin for fast results. It quickly reduces inflammation, pain, and symptoms of hard-to-treat skin conditions, thanks to its powerful antifungal and antibacterial properties.

10. Defense Soap

Defense Soap contains eucalyptus and tea tree oil which provides a wide spectrum of benefits for effective cleaning or fungus, viruses, and bacteria. It efficiently removes built-up oils, grunge, allergens, smog, sweat, and dirt from your skin that might cause skin infections such as eczema, jock itch, athlete’s foot, impetigo, psoriasis and more.

Defense soap restores the natural barrier of the skin and helps in controlling the production of dead skin cells and sebum. Moreover, this soap contains natural ingredients that are hypoallergenic and safe for sensitive skin.