Treatment for bullous and non-bullous impetigo is done with local hygiene, application of ointment with antibiotic and, where necessary, antibiotics.
If impetigo is localized, hygiene and treatment with ointments or creams are usually sufficient. Cases of extensive impetigo need oral antibiotics.
What ointments are used to treat impetigo?
- Mupirocin ointment or cream: It has an efficacy equal to or even superior to oral antibiotics. The application is done every 8 hours;
- Retapamulin ointment: It has shown a 99% cure rate, including for bacteria resistant to other topical antibiotics. However, it can only be used in children older than 9 months. The application is done every 12 hours.
Ointments with bacitracin and neomycin should be avoided due to the risk of treatment ineffectiveness and contact dermatitis.
What antibiotics are used to treat impetigo?
In cases of extensive impetigo the use of oral antibiotics is necessary. Impetigo is considered extensive when the affected area does not allow the use of ointments due to their extent or the number of lesions.
The antibiotics usually chosen in these cases are:
- Cephalexin (50mg / kg / day) every 6 hours;
- Cefadroxil (30mg / kg / day) every 12 hours;
- Amoxicillin (50mg / kg / day) every 12 hours.
Treatment with oral antibiotics 7 days is enough to do away with impetigo.
If at the end of the treatment the patient does not present a satisfactory response, one should make a collection to identify the type of bacteria and start a new cycle with another antibiotic.
Is there any home treatment for impetigo?
THE local hygiene can be considered the "home treatment" of impetigo, but not enough to stop the infection. Drug treatment is essential.
Hygiene consists of removal and cleaning of scabs 2 to 3 times a day, with soap and water or D'Alibour water or 2% boricated water. Next, apply the antibiotic ointment or cream.
Cleaning of the lesions is important, but should always be accompanied by the use of antibiotic or oral ointment, since only these drugs are capable of destroy the bacteria which causes the disease.
How to prevent impetigo?
- Have good personal hygiene;
- Wash hands frequently;
- Do not wear other people's clothing or towels;
- Keep nails trimmed and short.
O impetigo is an infection that affects the most superficial layer of the skin and affects mainly children. It can be caused by 2 types of bacteria: Staphylococcus aureus (most common in children of any age) and Group A Streptococcus, (most common in children 3 to 5 years).
Treatment of impetigo should be performed by the pediatrician or dermatologist.
