Impetigo is a highly contagious bacterial skin infection commonly occurring in young children. This skin infection is mainly caused by Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) bacteria. Treatment is typically topical antibiotic creams or oral antibiotics if creams are not effective. Antimicrobial resistance has become a worldwide concern and needs to be addressed when selecting treatment for impetigo patients.
If the impetigo infection is not healing with antibiotics, your doctor might take a sample of the liquid produced by a sore for testing. This will show what types of antibiotics would work best on it. Your doctor may refer you to a specialist doctor (dermatologist) for further tests. You will then be offered alternative treatment options.
The best ways to prevent impetigo is to stay clean and healthy. Other tips to avoid impetigo include:
- Keep hands clean: wash hands regularly. Use alcohol-based sanitizer if you don’t have soap and water.
- Practice good hygiene: clip your (and your child’s) fingernails regularly to avoid scratching. Sneeze into a tissue and then throw the tissue away. Bathe daily (or as often as possible), especially for children with eczema or sensitive skin.
- Avoid scratching: don’t scratch cuts or wounds. If your child gets a cut, scratch or wound, keep them from scratching it.
- Clean wounds: clean cuts, scrapes and injuries with soap and water. Then put an antibiotic cream or ointment on the wound.
- Keep linens clean: wash underwear, towels and sheets in hot water.
If you or someone you love has impetigo that is not healing with antibiotics due to resistance, you can find support here.