When the skin becomes infected with bacteria, usually Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes, impetigo can occur.
Easily spread from person to person, this highly contagious skin infection mainly affects children, but can affect anyone. Symptoms can appear up to 10 days after the initial infection, so people can unwittingly infect others.
After infection for a while, red ulcers may appear around the nose and mouth, which may itch. These ulcers quickly burst, leaving behind thick golden crusts, usually about 2 cm wide.
“The appearance of these crusts sometimes compared to corn flakes stuck to the skin,” says doctor Irina Andreeva, especially for MedicForum.
If the infection becomes widespread or continues to recur, medical advice is needed.
“In these circumstances, your healthcare provider may refer you to a dermatologist (skin specialist) for further tests, or they may take a swab of the affected skin for testing themselves.”
In rare cases, complications of impetigo, such as scarlet fever and septicemia, may develop. Scarlet fever causes a small pink rash all over the body, which may be accompanied by a feeling of nausea.Septicemia, on the other hand, is a bacterial infection of the blood that can lead to:
- Diarrhea
- Cold, clammy skin
- High temperature (fever)
- Rapid breathing
- Vomiting
- Low blood pressure
- Feeling weak and dizzy
- Loss of consciousness.
Septicemia is a life-threatening condition and requires immediate treatment with antibiotics in a hospital.
“To prevent the spread of infection, anyone who shows symptoms of impetigo should hold on away from work, school or kindergarten until the ulcers are covered with a crust. “
Cereal with milk for breakfast turned out to be hazardous to health
Earlier, MedicalForum wrote about the dangers of cold watermelon.
Important! Information provided for reference purposes. Ask a specialist about contraindications and side effects and under no circumstances self-medicate. At the first sign of illness, consult a doctor.