A five-year-old boy with impetigo.
It is estimated that 140 million people may suffer from this disease at some point in their lives.
This bacterial skin infection is superficial and, in principle, should not cause any problems if treated properly.
Several studies have confirmed that the bacteria that cause this condition become resistant to antibiotics.
Return to school complicated this year due to threats Skin infections that mainly affect young children, Impetigo. The injury is not serious, But very contagious.
An outbreak was detected at a summer school in Benicarlo this summer and there are now fears that due to the humidity and temperatures we are experiencing Increased incidence. Nonetheless, pediatricians are not primarily concerned with prevalence but persist when these infections occur.Numerous clinical studies have shown that the bacteria that cause this infection They are becoming resistant to antibiotics Destroy them.
“Previously, eradication was possible with topical antibiotics, Many situations now require strengthening. “Pediatric dermatologist Marta Valdivielso confirms this.
this bacterial skin infection this is superficial In principle, handling it properly should not cause any problems, but this is not always the case. “Antibiotics are overused, which leads to There is one Greater resistance to treatment when necessary. But it’s not just impetigo, we see this in many other infections. this is a big problem. Not all diseases can be treated with oral antibiotics. Because the bacteria find a way to protect themselves and it’s no longer effective,” explains Dr. Valdivierso.
“We face one of the health problems The most important thing facing humanity. Our well-being and all modern medicine depend on the action of antibiotics,” warned Bruno González Zorn, professor of microbiology at the Complutense University of Madrid and WHO advisor on antibiotic resistance and unified health, at NIUS.
Experts now estimate that this is one of the reasons Easily contagious and highly likely to be contagious Impetigo in the pediatric population
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common and minor infections
It is estimated that 140 million people may suffer from this disease at some point in their lives.Although the highest incidence rates are among children Between two and five years.
depends on bacteria Effects can be divided into two types: nonbullous (70% of cases) and bullous (30% of cases).
- No blisters It is caused by Staphylococcus aureus. or Streptococcus pyogenes, characterized by Honey-colored scabs appear on the face and limbs.
- Bullous disease is caused and produced only by Staphylococcus aureus large, fluffy blisters and are more likely to affect areas of skin that are touched, intertriginal areas, Such as the armpits or nasal cavity.
Although noticeable, this infection is usually not serious and Usually, with treatment, it disappears without leaving scars within two to three weeks.. It rarely causes any complications, the most serious being so-called poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis, a rare kidney disease This may occur after an infection with group A strep.Although common in children with impetigo They just have some discomfort.
The most common is crusted impetigo About previous skin diseases Treatment for atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis or insect bites is not complicated. Once an infection is diagnosed by a specialist, Apply antibiotic cream to pimples Oral antibiotics are sometimes also given.
What to do if infected
For patients with impetigo, the affected area should be kept clean. It is important to wash with warm water and soap and remove discharge and scabs. Regular soap can be used or substances containing preservatives.Of course, you have to be careful because It is highly contagious and the lesions often spread to other areas through self-inoculation.
As advice, it’s important for pediatricians to remember:
- Avoid shared objects Such as combs, towels or clothes of the affected person.
- Wash towels and bedding on high heat.
- Try to cover the affected area of skin as much as possible (gauze, dressing) so it is more difficult to inoculate yourself in other areas or spread it to others.
- Blow your nose with a tissue.
The good news is that, in principle, After you start treatment, you will stop contagious within 24 to 48 hours.