Impetigo is a skin disease caused by the step and staph bacteria. It is more commonly found on children, but adults can get it. It is highly contagious in two ways. First, it can easily spread from one part of a person's body to another. Second, it can be passed from person to person. You can identify infantigo (also known as impetigo) based on its clusters of blisters that turn it to yellowish scabs.
Remove any yellow crusts or scabs that you see before you begin to clean the area. You can do this with your fingers (be sure to wash your hands) or with a rag that is a little rough.
Keep the area infected by impetigo clean. You can do this by washing the area twice per day with anti-bacterial soap and a washcloth. This will help the impetigo to clear up on its own. If you have only a mild case of impetigo, this is all you have to do to get rid of it.
Call your doctor for a prescription for Bactroban. This is a cream that you can place on your impetigo to get rid of it. If you have a moderate case of impetigo, this is the course of action you want to take. Some doctors will call in this type of prescription for you without having to see you in their office.
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Make a hot compress out of a wash rag and hot water. Leave the hot compress on your infected skin for 2 to 3 minutes and then reheat. Do this about three times, and then use your Bactroban. This works better at getting rid of the impetigo than just using the cream by itself.
Make an appointment with your doctor to get an antibiotic. This is needed in severe cases of impetigo. In some cases, your doctor may ask you to use the cream and the antibiotic at the same time. Depending on the antibiotic your doctor prescribes you, can expect to see results in 7 to 10 days.
Tip
The area where you had impetigo may remain red for a few weeks after the infection is actually gone. Don't worry-- you wont need scar treatment, it will heal without leaving a scar and the redness will eventually disappear.
Warning
Don't allow anyone to use your towels or clothing until your impetigo is gone. It can be spread by sharing these things, not just by touching the infected skin.
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