Impetigo Treatment
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Impetigo is a highly contagious skin infection that usually appears as red crusted sores on the face. It mainly affects infants and small children, but it is also common in adults who engage in contact sports like rugby and wrestling. It is important to treat to prevent the spread of the infection to other parts of the body and people. Your dermatologist will determine the best treatment plan for you, but the following are common treatment options for patients with impetigo.
For mild forms of impetigo, your doctor may simply recommend that you follow a series of hygiene measures. Keeping the skin clean by washing regularly with soap and water may be enough to clear the infection. Everyone in the household should follow the same sanitary regimen and should not share towels or washcloths with the infected person.
Your dermatologist may prescribe a topical antibiotic for treatment. Follow his or her explicit directions. Patients sometimes inadvertently spread infection to other parts of the body by incorrectly using the topical treatment. Also, do not use over-the-counter topical treatments unless your physician recommends that you do so. Many over-the-counter treatments are not strong enough to treat the streptococcus (strep) or staphylococcus (staph) bacteria that cause impetigo.
The most severe cases of impetigo may be treated with oral antibiotics. The specific type will depend on the severity of the infection. Patients should finish the entire course of the medication even if the sores have healed. This will help to keep the infection from returning.
After a consultation, one of the dermatologists at Skin Laser and Surgery Specialists will be able develop a treatment plan specific to your needs. Please call or fill out our online form to schedule an appointment at one of our locations today.