Impetigo: Treatment, Procedure, Cost and Side Effects

Impetigo is an extremely common and contagious skin infection that leads to red sores all over the face, especially around the mouth. As this infection occurs mostly in children and babies, it is also known as school sores. These sores occur mostly around the nose and the mouth. They also tend to rupture, ooze, and then form a yellow-brown crust over them while they heal. Sometimes, the sores can occur on the hands and feet, as well as the bottom. They can ooze for days on end.

Fortunately, not only is impetigo a known condition, it is also a fairly common one. This means that you do not have to worry about your child being deathly ill because of these sores. There are effective treatments available in the market for you to use and you can cure your child of this infection in no time.

Impetigo is mainly treated with the help of antibiotics. These antibiotics come in the form of creams or ointments that have to be applied topically to the sores. However, in case of extreme sores, you can also administer the medication orally as it comes in the form of pills as well.

Impetigo is usually diagnosed by sight as the sores tend to be very distinctive. Sometimes, your doctor may choose to take some of the liquid that oozes out of the sores for testing in the lab. This can help determine exactly which type of antibiotic to use for maximum effectiveness. However, this is an optional step in the diagnosis and treatment process and may not even be carried out in your case. Once the infection is diagnosed, it can be treated.

The main line of treatment for impetigo is through antibiotics. The antibiotics are available in the form of ointments or creams that need to be applied topically onto the sores. However, before you apply the cream, you have to use a warm and wet cloth to wipe away the yellow-brown crust on top of the sores. If this is not done, then the cream will not be fully absorbed and this will certainly hamper the overall effectiveness of it. After cleaning out the sores, you can apply the cream as often as directed by your doctor.

If you prefer oral medications, you can administer the pills to your child as well. They are as effective and are often used in severe cases of this infection. The dosage of the pill will depend on the severity of the infection. You can administer it at home.

If your child has been diagnosed with impetigo, you can seek out the treatment for the same.

Children are susceptible to a vast number of disease and infections. Chicken pox is one of the most common ones. Do not confuse it for impetigo. No matter how distinctive the sores may be, it is always better to have a doctor diagnose the same. If your child has a rash or chicken pox, he or she will not be eligible for this treatment.

Oral antibiotics can sometimes raise the body temperature and cause a fever. This is a natural side effect of the medication and no reason to be alarmed.

Maintaining hygiene and keeping your child away from highly crowded areas or other children who have this infection can help prevent the infection from occurring again.

It only takes a few days for the infection to clear up. The exact number of days that it takes depends on the severity of the infection and the number of sores.

Antibiotic creams can range in price from Rs. 50 – Rs. 150.

The results of the treatment are permanent. However, this is a highly contagious infection and if your child is exposed to someone who has it, it is likely to spread to your child as well. This is considered a fresh infection and not an extension of the old one.

There are no alternatives to the treatment.