Which antibiotics is best for impetigo?
Oral antibiotics (e.g., antistaphylococcal penicillins, amoxicillin/clavulanate [Augmentin], cephalosporins, macrolides) are effective for the treatment of impetigo; erythromycin is less effective.
What is the best way to prevent impetigo infection?
Keeping skin clean is the best way to keep it healthy. It’s important to wash cuts, scrapes, insect bites and other wounds right away. To help prevent impetigo from spreading to others: Gently wash the affected areas with mild soap and running water and then cover lightly with gauze.
What will dry up impetigo?
This is a common bacteria strain that causes impetigo. Aloe may also counter the dryness and itching of impetigo. To use this remedy: Applying aloe gel directly from an aloe plant leaf to the skin works best. You can also try an ointment containing a high amount of aloe extract.
Does salt water help impetigo?
Bathing the blisters with salty water will help to dry them out (use saline solution or dissolve about half a teaspoon of salt in a cup of water). bacterial infection of the skin. Good hygiene helps prevent spread of infection.
Can impetigo heal itself?
Untreated, impetigo often clears up on its own after a few days or weeks, Smith says. The key is to keep the infected area clean with soap and water and not to scratch it. The downside of not treating impetigo is that some people might develop more lesions that spread to other areas of their body.
What is the treatment for impetigo?
Some types of the bacteria that cause impetigo have become resistant to certain antibiotics. Impetigo is treated with prescription mupirocin antibiotic ointment or cream applied directly to the sores two to three times a day for five to 10 days.
What should you not do if you have impetigo?
Avoid touching objects that someone with impetigo has used, such as utensils, towels, sheets, clothing and toys. If you have impetigo, keep your fingernails short so the bacteria can’t live under your nails and spread.
What is the role of laboratory testing in the treatment of impetigo?
However, laboratory testing is not necessary nor routinely performed in clinical practice. Antibiotic treatment, whether oral or topical, should be aimed at both bacteria that are associated with impetigo: group A strep and S. aureus.
How long does impetigo last without treatment?
It can help cure the impetigo and prevent others from getting this highly contagious skin infection. With treatment, impetigo is usually no longer contagious within 24 to 48 hours. Without treatment, impetigo often clears on its own in two to four weeks. During this time, there is a greater risk of developing complications.