As reported by the Public Health Agency of the Generalitat de Catalunya, in recent weeks there have been several impetigo outbreaks in good part of the schools of Barcelona, but also in other Catalan territories. It is a mild bacterial infection but very contagious.
At present there are several active outbreaks, so the health authorities are sending circulars to the centers where cases have been detected, to warn about the appropriate measures and thus avoid further spreading the infection.
What is impetigo?
Impetigo is the most common bacterial skin infection in pediatrics, which can be of two types: bullous or non-bullous. Usually the cause is the bacteria staphylococcus, but sometimes strep can also cause it. Is most common in children between two and six years.
Initially the impetigo lesion is a vesicle or pustule, small reddish sores surrounded by reddened areas. It then transforms into a yellowish or honey-colored crusty lesion, they fill with pus and after a few days they open and form a thick crust.
Often the wounds caused by impetigo, itch, but scratching can spread the sores. It is highly contagious, and the sores can be spread by direct contagion to other parts of the body, or to people who come into contact with it. It is also spread by contact with objects that have touched the infected, such as clothing, towels and bedding.
It is not accompanied by general signs such as fever, although enlarged nodes can be found in the vicinity of the affected region.
If the baby or child has already started treatment, the ulcers should be monitored and the pediatrician should be called if the infection does not begin to subside after three days of treatment or if the child has a fever.
Bullous Impetigo
This type is more frequent. in infants and young childrencaused by the Staphylococcus Aureus. There are two forms depending on their location (localized or generalized, which covers the patient's body surface). For the treatment of impetigo blistering newborn babies should receive intravenous treatment with isolation. If the lesions are localized, oral antibiotic therapy can be initiated in older children.
Non-bullous or classic impetigo
This guy is the most common in general. The lesions appear in places where there are other previous injuries, entry doors to infection (insect bites, chickenpox, scabies, burns or traumatic injuries). The location of impetigo is frequent on face or limbs.
Non-blistering impetigo receives local treatment, good hygiene and the use of products with an anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and healing action.
In case of lesions surrounding the mouth, nose or eyelids, the use of oral or cream antibiotics. It will be the doctor who indicates the best treatment to follow, its dose and duration.
How to prevent infection
From the Epidemiological Surveillance Services of the Public Health Agency of Catalonia, appropriate preventive measures are being recommended to limit its extension.
If the lesions appear, see a doctor to indicate the appropriate treatment.
After starting treatment they ask that affected children spend 48 hours at home, until the wound is dry. That is when there is no danger of contagion and children can return to school.
Maintain good hygiene: clean any wound with soap and water, and if you want you can also apply a disinfectant.
