Impetigo children

For norsk tekst

What is Impetigo?

Impetigo, also known as brennkopper in Norwegian, is a superficial and contagious skin infection that primarily affects children but can also occur in adults. The infection is usually caused by bacteria, either staphylococci or streptococci, which enter the skin through small wounds or cuts. Impetigo is most common in children under the age of 12 but can affect people of all ages.

The hallmark of impetigo is sores covered with a characteristic honey-colored crust. These sores can spread quickly through contact, making prompt treatment essential to prevent further infection.

Impetigo exists in two forms, bullous and non-bullous. It is the non-bullous form that is most common, causing small sores or blisters that rupture and form crusts

What Are the Symptoms of Impetigo?

The symptoms of impetigo can vary, but the most common signs include:

1. Small red spots or blisters that quickly develop into open sores.
2. Honey-colored crusts that form over the sores after the blisters burst.
3. Itching and irritation in the affected area.
4. In some cases, mild swelling or redness may appear around the sores.

Impetigo often occurs on the face, particularly around the nose and mouth, but can also appear on the hands, arms, and other body parts. In children, itching may lead to scratching, which can further spread the infection.

What Causes Impetigo?

Impetigo is caused by the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes. These bacteria are naturally present on the skin but can cause infection when the skin's protective barrier is compromised. Impetigo spreads through personal contact. It can take between 4–10 days from when the child is infected until symptoms appear (incubation period). Common triggering factors include:

• Small cuts, scrapes, or insect bites.
• Skin conditions such as eczema or atopic dermatitis.
• Crowded environments or high humidity, often found in daycare centers or schools.

Impetigo is highly contagious and can spread easily through direct skin contact or shared items like towels, bedding, or toys.

Impetigo in Children – What you should do

Impetigo is especially common in children, and there are several reasons for this. First, children are more exposed to infection in daycare centers and schools, where they are often in close contact with each other. Second, children frequently have small cuts, scrapes, or insect bites that provide an entry point for bacteria.

In children, impetigo usually appears as itchy rashes or blisters around the mouth and nose. The condition may also be accompanied by mild fever and general discomfort.

How to Reduce the Risk of Infection Among Children:

• Wash hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and water.
• Keep children’s nails short to prevent scratching.
• Avoid sharing personal items like towels or toys.

Impetigo in Adults

Although impetigo is most common in children, adults can also develop the condition. In adults, factors such as a weakened immune system, chronic skin conditions, or high exposure to infection often play a role.

The symptoms in adults are similar to those in children, but the infection can be more troublesome due to larger areas of affected skin.

Impetigo in Pregnant Women

Pregnant women can also develop impetigo, although this is less common. It is important for pregnant women to seek treatment early to avoid the spread of the infection. Treatment options are generally safe for both mother and baby, but a doctor may tailor the treatment to ensure safety.

How to Treat Impetigo in Children

Treatment for impetigo in children typically involves:

1. Good Hygiene: Gently wash the affected area with lukewarm water and a mild antibacterial soap.
2. Antibiotics: In severe cases, a doctor may prescribe an antibiotic cream or, in some instances, an oral antibiotic.
3. Preventing Spread: Keep children’s nails short and cover the sores with a bandage to prevent the infection from spreading to others.

Treatment of impetigo often depends on the size of the affected area of the skin:

For a few small impetigo sores located in the same area or near each other, it is often sufficient to clean with a disinfectant solution or apply disinfectant or antibacterial cream to the spots and blisters. The spots or blisters should be covered with dry compresses or suitable plasters. The treatment should be repeated 2–3 times a day. These products can be purchased without a prescription at Apotek For Deg.

If the spots and blisters appear in multiple areas of the body, you should contact a doctor, who may prescribe antibiotic tablets or antibiotic suspension.

The treatment works within a few days, and impetigo often resolves on its own after a few weeks. Treatment is recommended because impetigo is highly contagious.

Products from Apotek For Deg That Can Help Treat Impetigo in Adults:

The following products can be used by young children, as well as adults, pregnant, and breastfeeding individuals:

• Antibacterial soaps: For gentle skin cleansing.
• Disinfectants: To keep sores clean and prevent spreading.
• Skincare creams: To soothe irritated skin.

Dry compresses and plasters:

• Mesoft Non-Sterile Dry Compresses 5 x 5 cm (100 pcs)
• Norgesplaster Universal Round Plasters (20 pcs)
• Leukoplast Eco Plasters (20 pcs)

Antibacterial soaps:

• Barnengen’s Medical Green Soap (300 ml)

Other soaps and cleansers to protect and clean the skin:

• Lactacyd Body Wash (500 ml)
• Bepanthen Derma Gentle Body Cleanser (400 ml)
• Mustela Gentle Cleansing Gel (500 ml)
• Sebamed Baby & Kids Wash Foam (400 ml)

Disinfectants:

• Hibiscrub 40 mg/ml Solution (250 ml)
• Chlorhexidine Liniment 0.5 mg/ml Solution (1000 ml)
• Pyrisept 1 mg/ml Solution (100 ml)

Important information about Hibiscrub and chlorhexidine solutions: These contain chlorhexidine and should be used with caution in newborns, particularly in premature babies. Hibiscrub can cause chemical burns on the skin. Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you are using, have recently used, or plan to use other medications. Chlorhexidine must not be mixed with soap or other anionic agents.

Over-the-counter antibacterial and disinfectant creams:

• Pyrisept 1 mg/g Wound Ointment (20 g)
• Bacimycin Wound Ointment (15 g)

Important information about Bacimycin: Do not use in the ear. Bacimycin entering the middle ear may cause hearing damage.

For areas with multiple spots or blisters, doctors may also prescribe antibacterial creams such as Fucidin (fusidic acid) or Microcid (hydrogen peroxide).

If the child has a fever, the following fever-reducing medications can be used:

• Paracet suppositories 125mg   
• Paracet suppositories 250 mg
• Paracet soluble tablets 250 mg
• Paracet effervescent 500 mg
• Pinex mixture 24 mg/ml jordbær

How to Treat Impetigo in Adults

For adults, treating impetigo often follows the same principles as for children but with an added focus on hygiene and limiting the spread. Products such as antibacterial creams and disinfectant solutions can be helpful.

Products from Apotek For Deg That Can Help Treat Impetigo in Adults:

• Antibacterial Ointments: Effective against the bacteria causing the infection.
• Wound Dressings: To protect the sores and promote faster healing.

Preventing Impetigo

Preventing impetigo requires good hygiene practices and attention to minor wounds or cuts. Here are some practical tips:

• Wash hands regularly with soap and water.
• Keep wounds and scrapes clean and covered.
• Avoid sharing personal items like towels or bedding.
• Teach children the importance of not scratching their sores.

By using the right products from Apotek For Deg and maintaining proper hygiene, you can reduce the risk of impetigo and ensure prompt treatment if the infection occurs.

Impetigo and Immunity

Having or having had impetigo does not provide long-term immunity. Impetigo can occur again if the child is infected multiple times.

Impetigo in children – staying home from daycare and school?

Children with impetigo can attend daycare and school when the blisters are under control, healing well, and no longer seeping fluid that could spread the infection. Small blisters can be covered.

Summary

Impetigo, also known as brennkopper, is a common and contagious skin infection that can affect people of all ages, especially children. Recognizing the symptoms early and following proper treatment and hygiene measures are crucial to preventing the spread of the infection. With effective products from Apotek For Deg, both children and adults can manage impetigo effectively and safely. In case of severe symtomps contact your doctor for consultation.

Source references: Felleskatatologen, Helsenorge, Folkehelseinstituttet. Helse Stavanger HF, NHI.NO, Helsebiblioteket, Store norske leksikon.

Published February 2025.