Once the infection has taken hold on a child's skin, the symptoms will manifest within 1 - 3 days. Symptoms include skin lesions, most commonly occurring around the nose, mouth and hands. These legions will appear as pimple like bumps and fill will pus in the later days of incubation. After 4 - 6 of infection, these lesions will break down, release the pus and scab over into a thick crust like skin area.

Impetigo can be transmitted through direct contact with other impetigo lesion as well as through airborne contact with infected persons. After infection, the skin lesions may spread significantly with resulting scratching. The lesions tends to itch tremendously, and due to the age range most affected, children tend to scratch the lesions and touch other parts of the body, spreading the infection.

Impetigo Treatment

Impetigo is treated with antibiotics. Both oral and topical antibiotics can be used to treat the infection. Topical antibiotics will only work to treat Impetigo if the outer crust is removed before apply the ointment. It is important not to share the ointment with several members of the same family. When using a topical ointment to treat Impetigo, no cross contamination should occur. Cross contamination can occur when applying ointment to a lesion and using the same finger or hand to touch the ointment tube.

Impetigo may also be treated with soap and water. Washing the infected area with soap and allowing the lesions to air dry is important to clearing up the Impetigo infection.

Impetigo can be prevented with proper hygiene practices. It is important to teach children, especially those within the affected age group, the importance of proper hand washing. Teaching children the importance of bathing and showering regularly, as well as, washing their hands for at least one minute throughout the day, will help keep the chance of contracting Impetigo at bay. Parents can protect their children even further by paying special attention to any skin areas that are broken or irritated when washing. Anti-bacterial soap should be used at all times both when washing skin affected with Impetigo and on a normal daily basis to prevent infection.

Preventing infection of other family members may prove the most difficult part of the Impetigo infection. Family members infected should not use the same towels and wash cloths as other family members. All bed linens and clothing should be laundered separately from other family members in hot water, to prevent the spread of infection.

Impetigo can only be treated by a doctor with prescribed antibiotics. Parents should call a doctor at the first signs of any skin rashes, especially those with pus filled or blister like bump or lesions.

Impetigo is a highly contagious skin infection, that can be prevented with proper hygiene and skin care. Skin lesions are contagious and treatment can include both oral and topical antibiotics.