Impetigo is a skin disease that is more common in children, but it can also affect adult people. The causative agents of impetigo are staphylococci and streptococci. Infection, basically, occurs through microtraumas of a skin - cuts, scratches, abrasions.
Symptoms of impetigo
Recognize this disease is easy on external clinical manifestations - multiple pustular rashes, turning into scabs with yellow crusts. Rashes can develop quickly or slowly.
There are several types of impetigo, the main ones are the following:
- Streptococcal impetigo ( streptodermia ) - is caused by streptococci, has several manifestations - common lichen, superficial panaritium, streptococcal intertrigo, papular syphilliform impetigo, etc.
- Staphylococcal impetigo (osteophallicullitis) - is caused by golden staphylococcus, characterized by damage to the hair follicles.
- Vulgar impetigo - streptofrostococcus impetigo, which is characterized by the formation of massive crusts.
- Bullous impetigo - streptococcal impetigo with complicated course - the appearance of edema, fever, headache, etc.
How to treat impetigo?
Treatment of impetigo, both streptococcal and staphylococcal, includes several methods:
- Hygienic measures. To avoid spreading the infection to other parts of the body, it is prohibited to wash the affected and adjacent healthy areas of the skin with water. They need to be wiped twice a day with salicylic alcohol (2%) or camphor alcohol. In light cases, you can limit these measures.
- The local use of antibiotics is the use of ointments and other external agents containing substances that are active against impetigo pathogens. For better penetration of drugs, crust removal is carried out.
- Systemic antibiotic therapy - is required in severe cases. As a rule, prescribe drugs for internal reception from the group of penicillins, cephalosporins, fluoroquinolones, etc. Course
reception of antibiotics can be from 3 to 5 days. - Compliance with diet. From the diet, sweet and flour products are excluded, it is recommended to eat more foods rich in vitamin C and D.
We must not forget about measures to prevent the spread of infection to other family members. The patient should use a separate towel, dishes, hygiene means.
As a rule, complete healing occurs after 7 to 10 days of treatment. Adequate therapy will help to avoid complications and cosmetic problems.