Self Care

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Impetigo

 

Impetigo is a contagious bacterial infection most often seen the site of broken skin. Red sores start to ooze a straw- or honey-colored liquid, which, when partially dried, becomes a crust or scab. Touching or picking the sores can spread bacteria to other parts of the body or other people too.

Impetigo in infants starts with a small blister containing yellowish or white pus rounded by reddened skin. The blister breaks easily, leaving a small raw spot that may not crust over as with older children. Impetigo in infants is most often found in moist areas, such as the diaper edge, groin, or armpit.

With quick and careful home treatment, impetigo can be brought under control in several days.

Self Care :

Gently and frequently clean sores with antibacterial soap and water or hydrogen peroxide.

Apply an antibiotic ointment.

Do not cover with a Band-Aid unless the sore in an area where the scab may rub off. To keep the children from     scratching , cover with a dry gauze pad and keep the tape as far from the sore as possible.

Wash your hands well with antibacterial soap and water after cleaning sores and applying ointment.

Make sure everyone in the household uses separate towels,washcloths, and bath water.

Signs and Symptoms that should be taken care of :

Infant has small, pus-filled blisters that break easily and leave a raw spot behind.

Self care does not control or clear up the problem in 5 days.

Large blisters develop.

Blisters show other signs of infection (warmth, increased redness, or increased tenderness).

Urine turns red or cola-colored, and a headache occurs.