impetigo is a bacterial infection that reaches the most superficial layer of the skin, the dermis. It occurs more frequently in summer: a time when the temperature favors the proliferation of these organisms. This disease is more prevalent in children, due to the lower resistance that the skin has at this time of life.
O Contagion it occurs through direct contact, mainly through skin lesions, such as insect bites, scratches or preexisting cuts in this region. Clothes and towels can also be transmitted in rarer cases.
THE Staphylococcus aureus and group A Streptococcus are responsible for the manifestation of impetigo. The cutaneous manifestations, therefore, vary according to the infectious agent.
Staphylococci cause the so-called bullous impetigo, showing large, very thin-walled bubbles. When these break, the affected region becomes red, inflamed and moist in appearance. Pus may be present.
already the common impetigo, caused by streptococci, manifests as small, purulent pimples that then develop into scabs.
In both cases, the regions most frequently affected are those uncovered by clothing: face, limbs and armpits.
O diagnosis it is usually done by visualizing the lesions. Blood tests and biopsy may be ordered.
It is recommended that the treatment be started within 48 hours after the onset of symptoms, as this disease, in infrequent cases, can progress to a more serious condition, such as rheumatic fever, chickenpox, glomerolunephritis or spread to other organs; in addition to the possibility of causing blemishes in the affected regions. Oral antibiotics, derived from penicillin, are required. Mupirocin-based ointments may also be recommended by the doctor.
Boiling the affected child's clothing and preventing him or anyone else from handling the healthy wounds. important measures so that there is no contamination of other regions of the body or of more individuals. Good hygiene habits, such as washing hands frequently and avoiding using towels and clothes from different people, are other measures.
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THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH WARNS:
Self-medication can have unwanted and unanticipated effects, as the wrong medicine not only does not cure, it can worsen your health.
By Mariana Araguaia
Graduated in Biology
Would you like to reference this text in a school or academic work? Look:
ARAGUAIA, Mariana. "Impetigo"; Brazil School. Available in: https://brasilescola.uol.com.br/doencas/impetigo.htm. Accessed on June 28, 2021.
