Ask a Dermatologist Free: Impetigo

bullous impetigo

Dear Doctor

Hi, I have two of these blisters develop on my face today and I’m not sure what is causing them. They developed within 10 hours and look like they have a tiny amount of yellow inside but don’t look quite pus filled.

I’ve had one other of this type of blister form on my leg. It looked the same but was about 1 centimeter in diameter.

I don’t think that it is a cold sore because of its location.

What would you recommend that I do? Any short term solutions or medications?

blister

Dear Patient

Your symptoms are suggestive of impetigo.

Causes of Impetigo

Impetigo is a skin condition which is caused by bacteria known as Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes.

These lesions can occur anywhere on the body but they most commonly develop around the nose and mouth.

 

Symptoms of Impetigo

Symptoms of impetigo include red macules (spots) which become blisters (fluid filled swellings). These eventually break open and the fluid oozes out. The lesions then develop a honey-colored crust which can be itchy.

Impetigo Treatment

Impetigo is treated with antibiotics which are applied on the skin lesions like Mupirocin (Bactroban) and Fusidic acid (Fusidin).

It is also treated with antibiotics taken by mouth like amoxicillin/clavulanate and cephalosporins.

Though impetigo can heal without treatment, it is advisable to seek early treatment since this can prevent the development of complications like glomerulonephritis.

 

Before applying the antibiotic the area should be washed with soap and water and patted dry. If crusting is present, a washcloth dipped in warm water can be applied to soften the crust.

 

Impetigo is a highly contagious skin condition and therefor the sharing of washcloths, towels, clothing and other personal items should be discouraged. In addition, these items should be washed in hot water before reusing.

Scratching of the lesions should also be discouraged since it can spread the infection to other parts of the body by a process known as autoinnoculation.

 

Ask a Dermatologist your Question

Click here to get an answer by email within 72 hours

Your Name

Your Email (required)

Subject
[Free Dermatology Consultation]

Send picture of skin, hair or nail disease

Your Message

Pick "yes" below and only send us your message if you agree to the following: I give SkinSpecialistsOnline.com permission to use my question and picture. I understand that I do not have a doctor/patient relationship with Skin Specialists Online and their answers are for general information purposes only and not specific advice for me. I am more than 18 years old and I take full responsibility for any consequences that may arise from using the information offered by SkinSpecialistsOnline.com

Acceptance

 

(C) SkinSpecialistsOnline.com | Design by ThemesDNA.com
top

Bookshelf 2.0 developed by revood.com