Impetigo is a bacterial skin infection that is extremely contagious. Just coming into brief contact with someone who has this infection could result in you catching it. Seeking treatment for impetigo will not only shorten the lifespan of this infection, but prevent others from catching it.
Dr. Vivian Bucay can help diagnosis and treat impetigo. All it takes is a single office visit to receive an accurate diagnosis of impetigo.
What is Impetigo?
Impetigo is an infection caused by an extremely contagious bacterium. When an individual contracts impetigo, it often results in the development of red sores. These sores usually appear around the mouth or nose, but can appear anywhere on the body including the back or neck.
Over time, the sores will fill with liquid and burst. After the sores have burst, they will start to scab over. Scabbed over sores from impetigo will lose their red color and appear a golden yellow.
Who is at Risk of Contracting Impetigo?
Impetigo occurs mostly in younger children between the ages of 2 and 8. However, anyone who comes into contact with the bacterium that causes impetigo can develop this skin infection.
Outbreaks of impetigo infections are also common among individuals who take part in activities that involve close contact. Sports, medical professionals, and teachers are often at a higher risk of developing this skin infection than other adults.
How is Impetigo Diagnosed?
Dr. Bucay and her staff can diagnosis impetigo just by looking at the sores. The sores of an impetigo infection are extremely unique and easy to diagnosis through a visual inspection.
What Treatment Options are Available for Impetigo?
It is important to seek treatment for impetigo as it is extremely contagious. Anyone who has this skin infection will remain contagious until treatment is sought. Dr. Bucay and her staff can help you find a successful treatment plan for your case of impetigo.
Antibiotics are extremely helpful in treating impetigo. There are two types of antibiotics that Dr. Bucay may recommend for you to take. She may recommend an antibiotic cream/ointment that is applied directly to the sores or an oral antibiotic pill.
If you are experience an extreme case of impetigo that is not responding to traditional antibiotic treatment, Dr. Bucay may need to conduct some medical tests. She will take a sample of the liquid in the sore to determine what is causing the infection. Sometimes the bacterium that is causing the impetigo may be resistant to certain types of antibiotics. These medical tests can help Dr. Bucay find an antibiotic that will treat your specific strain of impetigo.