Be careful of impetigo, a summer skin infection in infants and young children

Impetigo is one of the 대표적인 pus-forming skin infections and is a condition that commonly occurs in young children. It develops when blisters or pus appear on the skin due to bacteria, most often caused by bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus. It occurs especially often in young children, and because the incidence is higher in summer, extra caution is needed.

Impetigo can also occur in our children

The reason impetigo occurs frequently in infants and young children is that their skin is thin and delicate, and their immune systems have not yet fully developed. In addition, children are highly active, so small injuries such as bumps or scratches happen easily, and because they are not very good at hygiene management, an environment where bacteria can multiply may be created. In particular, when the temperature and humidity are high, such as in summer, sweating increases and the skin stays moist, making it easier for bacteria to multiply.

If there are blisters and itching symptoms

The main symptoms of impetigo often begin with small blisters. In the early stage, small blisters that are transparent or yellowish appear, and over time the blisters burst and pus or scabs form. These symptoms may gradually enlarge or spread to nearby areas and may appear across the body. Impetigo is a highly contagious disease and can spread easily through skin contact, towels, toys, bedding, and more, so special caution is needed.

Another thing to watch for is itching. Children often find it especially hard to resist itching and may scratch, and when they do, the affected area can spread further and bacteria can move to other areas or cause a secondary bacterial infection. If the skin becomes red and swollen or continues to ooze fluid, careful observation is necessary. Young children have difficulty expressing their symptoms in words, so it is important for parents to closely check for visible signs.

If impetigo is suspected

If impetigo is suspected, it is advisable to visit a hospital for treatment. In general, diagnosis can be made based on clinical findings seen with the eye, but if necessary, a sample may be taken from pus or discharge for bacterial testing. Impetigo is not a condition that requires especially complicated treatment, and you can keep applying the prescribed antibiotic ointment consistently. During treatment, hygiene management is the most important thing.

Washing hands often, being careful not to scratch the affected area, and disinfecting if necessary can be helpful. If symptoms are severe or do not improve with ointment alone, oral medication may also be used. However, rather than using medicine on your own, it is necessary to receive a diagnosis from a medical professional and continue treatment accordingly.

To prevent impetigo

To prevent impetigo, special attention should be paid to hygiene in daily life. Because impetigo is highly contagious and can lead to complications such as pneumonia if not properly treated, caution is required. In particular, in summer, skin infections occur more often as contact with others increases through water play, travel, and outdoor activities. Children are still vulnerable to infection because their immune systems are not yet strong, so if a contagious disease such as impetigo is suspected, it is advisable to take a break from group activities for a while.

It is also helpful to frequently disinfect toys, daily necessities, bedding, and other items used often to prevent bacteria from multiplying. Since impetigo can worsen quickly if neglected or improperly managed, it is important to monitor a child's skin condition closely and take prompt action if anything unusual is noticed.