If You See Blisters from Impetigo, You Should Treat Them Carefully

Now that the weather is getting warmer, it is only natural that outdoor activities will increase. When that happens, skin problems can arise from being bitten by various insects or by ticks in places like grassy fields or mountains. Healthy people often recover quickly or do not experience major problems even if this happens, but in patients with weakened skin immunity or in young children, insect bites or small cuts can easily become infected and lead to impetigo. Because impetigo can spread quickly and has a high likelihood of spreading across the body, early treatment is important.

Impetigo, Why It Occurs in Children

Impetigo is a skin infection that mainly affects young children. It is caused by bacteria, and it can occur easily when bacteria enter through a small skin wound or when immunity is weak. It can also happen after insect bites or abrasions from grass and similar surfaces. Because impetigo is contagious through contact, extra care is needed. It can also spread when shared items such as towels or toys are used, so children diagnosed with impetigo need to take a break from group activities.

Oozing, Itching... Symptoms of Impetigo

Typical symptoms of impetigo include blisters or oozing, and it may also be accompanied by severe itching. When children have itching or pain, they tend to touch or scratch the area unconsciously, which can worsen the wound and also quickly spread to surrounding areas. It often appears on exposed areas such as the face, hands, arms, and legs, and if left untreated, it may spread to a wider area. Therefore, if a child scratches frequently after outdoor activities and pus or oozing is observed, prompt treatment is recommended.

How Impetigo Is Treated

If impetigo is not treated properly, the wound may worsen or leave a scar. It is also difficult to endure the itching. In dermatology, antibiotics are prescribed. Antibiotics help suppress bacterial infection, and depending on the condition, they may be applied directly to the skin as an ointment or taken orally. During treatment, it is important to keep the wound area clean, and care should be taken not to touch areas that are oozing. In addition, to avoid scratching due to itching, keeping the hands clean and, if possible, keeping the nails short can also help.

To Prevent Impetigo Symptoms

To prevent impetigo, it is important to wash your hands frequently and maintain thorough personal hygiene. In particular, children often touch many things or put their hands in their mouths, so it is a good idea to develop the habit of washing hands regularly. Also, to prevent insect bites or skin injuries during outdoor activities, wearing long sleeves or using skin protectants can be helpful. Even at home, frequently washing towels and bedding and not sharing personal items among family members can help prevent infection. For skin health, it is important to take preventive measures in advance, and if any skin abnormality occurs, to check and manage it quickly.