Hey, parents! Are you curious about impetigo, also known as "impetigo"? Well, you've come to the right place. In this blog, we'll take an in-depth look at this contagious skin disease caused by the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes. We'll cover everything from recognizing the signs and symptoms to practical tips and natural solutions to prevent the disease from spreading.

 

Impetigo: The Basics

Impetigo, also called "pimples," is a disease that can affect our children, especially in the warmer months. It is caused by Staphylococcus- or Streptococcus- bacteria, and although these bacteria often live harmlessly on the skin and in the body, even a small cut, eczema or scratch can give them the chance to cause problems. Surprisingly, even perfectly healthy skin can sometimes fall victim to impetigo

 

Recognizing the telltale signs of impetigo

• Itchy, red skin: School sores, also known as impetigo, often begin with itchy and red skin that can be mistaken for a harmless rash.
• Lots of bubbles: Small, fluid-filled blisters may form, typically around the nose and mouth.
• Weeping blisters: As the infection progresses, the blisters may burst and release infectious fluid.
• Crusty layer: The affected area forms a raised, moist-looking crust during healing.
• Healing scab: The crusts dry out and leave behind healed skin.

 

When things get serious

In rare cases, when a larger area of skin is affected, additional symptoms such as fever or swollen lymph glands may occur. If you notice any abnormalities, seek medical attention immediately.

 

Diagnosis and treatment

Experienced doctors can diagnose impetigo by looking at the blisters or taking a swab to confirm bacterial presence. Treatment is often with prescription antibiotic ointments, antibacterial creams or tablets.

 

Care of Impetigo at Home

If your child has impetigo, here are some things you can do at home:

 

Keep clean

Wash the wounds every 8 to 12 hours with an antibacterial or antiseptic soap. Try our Waikura Manuka Body Wash with certified organic Manuka oil for whole body cleansing.

 

Dry thoroughly

Pat the wounds dry with a clean towel after each wash.

Use a natural moisturizer:

Wear the Waikura Manuka Body Lotion with certified organic Manuka oil to soothe and repair dry, irritated skin.

 

Cover

Use a waterproof occlusive dressing if necessary.

 

Seek help

See a doctor if symptoms worsen or if your child develops a fever.

 

Change the laundry

Change sheets, towels and clothes daily and add a few drops Manuka Oil to clean them.

 

Preventing the spread of impetigo

Because impetigo is highly contagious, you should follow these steps to prevent it from spreading:

• Wash your hands: Encourage regular hand washing with soap or our Waikura Manuka Body Wash.
• Keep him or her at home: Keep your child at home until treatment is complete and he or she is no longer contagious.
• Cut the nails: Keep your fingernails short to avoid scratches.
• Don't touch! Advise against touching or scratching the wounds and use a crepe bandage if necessary.
• Clean and cover: Keep affected skin clean and cover with soothing Waikura Manuka body lotion or a waterproof bandage.

 

Impetigo and newborns: special caution

Impetigo poses a particular risk to newborns, so keep anyone who has the disease away from your baby and seek medical attention if necessary.

 

Natural solutions

Understanding the nuances, symptoms, natural solutions, and preventative measures of impetigo is important for your family's well-being. Follow these guidelines to effectively treat impetigo and keep your loved ones' skin healthy.

 

Sources:

1.  Dr. Kate Quirke, Senior House Officer at Rotorua Hospital, New Zealand, authored the article on Impetigo, with copy editing by Gus Mitchell in March 2022. The previous author was Honorary Associate Professor Amanda Oakley, a dermatologist at Waikato Hospital, New Zealand. DermnetNZ. Available here
2. Dr. Amy Stanway MB ChB, Registrar at the Department of Dermatology, Waikato Hospital, Hamilton, New Zealand in 2001, updated by Dr. Jannet Gomez, a Postgraduate Student in Clinical Dermatology at Queen Mary University London, United Kingdom, with Chief Editor Dr. Amanda Oakley, a dermatologist based in Hamilton, New Zealand in December 2015, contributed to the article on Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. DermnetNZ. Available here. 
3. Dr. Amy Stanway MB ChB, a Registrar at the Department of Dermatology, Waikato Hospital in Hamilton, New Zealand, authored the blog on Streptococcal skin infection. DermnetNZ. Available here.