Bullous impetigo is a highly contagious skin infection caused by Staphylococcus bacteria, often affecting children under two years old. It can be treated with antibiotics and good hygiene practices can help prevent it. Patients should avoid picking the blisters and seek medical attention if the infection worsens.
Bullous impetigo is a skin infection characterized by the presence of large, fluid-filled blisters. This infection can be treated with antibiotics to kill the bacteria causing it. People younger than two years of age are more likely to develop bullous impetigo, and this condition can be treated by a pediatrician, general practitioner, or dermatologist. It’s important to be aware that all forms of impetigo are highly contagious.
This infection is usually caused by Staphylococcus bacteria, although Streptococcus are sometimes involved. Bacteria are often introduced due to existing irritations such as a reaction to skin cream, sunburn or diaper rash. Large blisters filled with clear fluid develop, eventually become cloudy and then burst to leave a scab behind. The patient may also feel tired and feverish. Sometimes diarrhea develops.
Bullous impetigo blisters are often seen on the face and extremities. While the blisters are present, they can be painful or itchy. Once they break out, the patient usually has red and itchy skin. Picking the blisters should be avoided because it can cause the infection to spread. It also exposes the patient to the risk of deeper infection and scarring from scratching.
In the initial stages, an antibiotic cream may be enough to kill the bacteria and resolve the infection. More advanced cases may require oral medication. A doctor can evaluate a patient’s case of bullous impetigo to determine which treatment would be most appropriate. Measures to keep the patient comfortable, such as the use of warm compresses or the application of an anti-inflammatory, may also be recommended.
It can take several weeks for bullous impetigo to resolve completely. While the sores are healing, the patient should be reminded to avoid handling them, and contact with other people should be minimized to reduce the risk of the bacteria being passed on. If the blisters are in an area that is compressed by clothing, it may be advisable to bandage it or wear loose clothing, such as drawstring pants rather than elastic, to relieve the pressure.
Prevention of bullous and other forms of impetigo can be promoted with good hygiene. Keeping the body clean reduces the risk of bacteria colonizing. Skin irritations, cuts and scrapes should be kept clean and monitored carefully for any signs of infection. Even with the best preventative care, however, persistent staph bacteria can sometimes gain a foothold. Watching for early signs of impetigo and other infections offers an opportunity for early intervention.
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