Impetigo caused by streptococcus pyogenes
What Is Impetigo Caused By Streptococcus Pyogenes?
Impetigo is an infection caused by the bacteria Streptococcus pyogenes, which is part of the Group A Streptococcus family of bacteria. It is the most common bacterial skin infection in children. It appears as red sores on the face, arms and legs which can be itchy and crusty.Signs and Symptoms of Impetigo
Common symptoms of impetigo include:- Red, itchy sores or blisters
- A brownish-yellow crust
- The sores may be filled with pus
- A fever
- Swollen lymph nodes near the infection
Complications from Impetigo
If left untreated, impetigo can cause a number of complications. These can include:- A secondary bacterial infection, such as cellulitis
- Scarring
- Necrotizing fasciitis, a rare but potentially life-threatening infection that causes death of tissue in the skin
- Difficulty breathing if the infection spreads to the lungs
Treatment for Impetigo Caused By Streptococcus Pyogenes
Treatment for impetigo caused by Streptococcus pyogenes includes oral antibiotics, topical antibiotics, or both. The type of antibiotics prescribed will depend on the severity of the infection. For mild cases of impetigo, topical antibiotics, such as mupirocin ointment, may be prescribed. For more severe cases of impetigo, oral antibiotics, such as amoxicillin, may be needed.Preventing Impetigo
There are several steps you can take to help prevent the spread of impetigo caused by Streptococcus pyogenes.- Cover all cuts and scrapes with a bandage to help prevent infection.
- Wash your hands regularly and be sure to explain good hand hygiene to your children.
- Keep your children away from others who may have impetigo.
- Don’t share towels, toys, or other items with children who have impetigo.
- Keep the infected area clean and dry to help speed up the healing process.
It is important to follow your doctor's instructions to help prevent the spread of impetigo caused by Streptococcus pyogenes and to help ensure a successful recovery.