Dermatologist in Southlake, TX

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Impetigo

Impetigo is a common reason that children require the attention of a medical doctor, or a dermatologist in Southlake, TX. Impetigo is an infection spread either through contact with an infected person or by the bacteria they leave behind on surfaces. Common surfaces involved in the transfer of impetigo among children, include doorknobs, light switches, and toys. It is so contagious, it can even spread from the primary site to other locations on the body simply by touching the lesion. Most cases of impetigo will resolve quickly with proper treatment. However, if it is untreated, complications can occur and healing may take as long as a month. Contact Compassion Dermatology today to schedule a consultation with a dermatologist in Southlake, TX.

What it Is

Impetigo is a common bacterial skin infection caused by staphylococcus aureus or streptococcus pyogenes. It is highly contagious and will spread quickly, especially among children. It often occurs in breaks on the skin, such as cuts, bug bites or rashes. When impetigo begins through a break in the skin it is considered secondary impetigo. Primary impetigo can occur on unbroken skin. It can occur on any persons regardless of socioeconomic status.

The Risk Factors

Impetigo occurs often in daycares and schools due to children being in close quarters. Great care must be practiced to prevent its spread. It occurs more frequently in hot climates with moist conditions. As a result, it is seen more often during the summer months. The use of antibacterial soap is often recommended, but infection may still occur.

The Symptoms

The primary symptom of impetigo is the itchy, red rash. It often begins near the mouth as small sores, progressing to pus filled blisters that may ooze, burst and crust over. Some patients complain of severe pain, while others report only itching. Untreated it can spread to other areas of the body, swelling of the lymph nodes may occur, along with fever. It is also possible impetigo may infect deeper in the skin. When this occurs, erosion occurs, and it is called ecthyma, which can lead to scarring. Additional complications of untreated impetigo can also include cellulitis, meningitis, or post streptococcal glomerulonephritis. In addition to potential secondary infections, untreated impetigo further exposes others to the disease. It is best to seek treatment early with a dermatologist in Southlake, TX.

Diagnosis

If you suspect you or a child has impetigo, contact your dermatologist in Southlake, TX. Your doctor will typically diagnose impetigo by inspection of the rash.

However, if your dermatologist in Southlake, TX suspects an infection more severe than impetigo, a sample may be taken for a culture test to determine the type, and the most effective treatment.

Treatment

Treatment may vary depending on the severity of the infection. Your dermatologist in Southlake, TX will determine the treatment that is right for you. In most instances, a topical antibiotic is prescribed. Use it as directed, and do not skip applications. If the infection is widespread, oral antibiotics may also be prescribed. With any antibiotic treatment of all disease, it is important to take all of the medicine as directed until they have been used up. Never stop taking an antibiotic, because you think you are better. Infections can reoccur, and can possibly lead to a bacterial infection that is harder to treat.

Care of Affected skin

Standard care may be individualized to your specific condition. However, typical treatment includes washing the affected skin twice a day with soap and water. Remove the crusts and dry the site completely. Be careful not to touch the items used on the affected areas of the body elsewhere to prevent additional spread. Once the area is clean and dry, apply the topical antibiotic. Cover the wound with a gauze bandage to prevent contamination with bacteria to clothing and bedding. Once treatment is complete, be sure to wash your own hands thoroughly and reduce your contact with other people. Use a new washcloth and towel each time, and use a new hand towel each time you wash your hands after treatment.

Preventing Impetigo

Impetigo is extremely contagious, and requires careful practice to prevent its spread. In day cares and schools surfaces should be disinfected daily while children are present, including light switches, toys, door knobs, faucet handles and toilet flush levers. In addition, others should avoid skin to skin contact with infected persons. Scratching the sores can result in the spread of the infection to other locations on the body, and should be avoided. Your dermatologist in Southlake, TX can provide a medication for reducing the itching.

Frequent hand washing with soap and warm water is recommended. Frequent showers and baths can also reduce the amount of bacteria. While the infection is present, wash clothing and linen of the affected person often, and separately from those of other family members. This will reduce the number of bacteria on the skin and helps to prevent the spread. The best practice of prevention is to clean new scratches and wounds with soap and water, and apply an antibiotic ointment and a bandage.

Compassion Dermatology offers a number of services for your medical and cosmetic needs. With summer approaching and yard chores, with children playing outdoors careful attention is required for injuries, even when minor. We are available for your concerns when you need a  dermatologist in Southlake, TX. In addition, do not forget to protect your skin with sunscreen this summer!

Impetigo | Dermatologist in Southlake, TX

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Impetigo is an extremely contagious skin disease caused by bacteria, typically “staph” (Staphylococcus) or “strep” (Streptococcus) bacteria. Children ages 2 to 5 years of age are the most likely to develop the disease, but older children and adults can also experience it. Furthermore, impetigo can spread to other parts of the body without caution. To help prevent the spread of this highly contagious disease, your Compassion Dermatology dermatologist in Southlake, TX recommends the following.

  1. If you or your child has been diagnosed with impetigo, avoid direct skin-to-skin contact with others to help prevent the spread of impetigo until you re no longer contagious.
  2. Impetigo is contagious until you have been treated with an antibiotic for 24 to 48 hours.
  3. Avoid touching and scratching the sores to avoid spreading the infection to other areas of your body.
  4. Keep the sores clean and covered. Clean the sores with soap and water as recommended by your dermatologist, and cover them with gauze bandages. Wash your hands when your treatment is complete. Use a clean washcloth and towel each time you provide wound care or use paper towels. In addition, use the same practice when you bathe.
  5. Do not share personal items with others. Examples include, towels, toys, razors, and other items.
  6. Launder all clothing, towels, washcloth and the sheets you have used or worn in hot water. Do not wash other household members’ clothing  with those of the infected.
  7. In order to prevent the spread of impetigo, disinfect all surfaces the infected person has touched, including door knobs, or any other surfaces.
  8. Trim your child’s nails as impetigo can be itchy. Ask your dermatologist in Southlake, TX about using an anti-itch medication for your child.

Preventing Impetigo

Impetigo is extremely contagious, so it may not be possible to avoid getting it again. Doing the following, however, can reduce your risk:

  1. Treat wounds, such as a cut, scrape, pet scratches, insect bite, or any other wound, promptly. Wash it with soap and water, and apply an antibiotic ointment and a bandage.
  2. Wash your hands with soap and water after using the toilet and when they are dirty. Always use a clean towel or paper towel to dry your hands.
  3. As with treating those already have impetigo, do not share items to prevent the spread.
  4. Don’t wear dirty clothes out of the laundry.

Diagnosis

A dermatologist in Southlake, TX  can typically diagnose impetigo by looking at the skin. Occasionally, a lab test may be required, obtaining a sample from a blister. This will identify the type of bacteria affecting your skin. When the symptoms indicate the infection may be widespread, a blood test may be ordered.

Treatment

Because impetigo is so contagious, your child may need to stay home from school/daycare for a few days. Your dermatologist in Southlake, TX  often prescribe a special antibiotic that is applied to the affected skin. In severe cases, oral or injectable antibiotics may be prescribed. Without medical treatment, it is possible for impetigo to infect deep in the skin, with deeper erosion. When this occurs, it is called ecthyma, which can lead to scarring. However, this isn’t the only potential complication of untreated impetigo. Additional potential complications related to impetigo include cellulitis, meningitis, or post streptococcal glomerulonephritis.

Early diagnosis and treatment by a Compassion Dermatology, dermatologist in Southlake, TX can prevent complications from occurring.

The Two Types

Impetigo is considered the non-blistering type, or the blistering type.

The non-blistering type presents as tiny pimples or red areas quickly turning into oozing honey-colored, crusted patches that spread. There may be complaints of itching, and swollen lymph nodes are possible. The affected person generally feels otherwise well.

The blistering form differs in that it spreads more frequently .

  • Painless blisters (about an inch or less) occur that may break easily.
  • These can spread to the face, trunk, arms, or legs.
  • The person feels generally well.

The severe form may present with large lesions, and the person is likely to feel ill, and experience fever, weakness and diarrhea. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, contact our dermatologist in Southlake, TX.

When to Seek Medical Care

If the infection is moderate to severe or there is fever or pain, see a dermatologist in Southlake, TX. Generally, with any infection that is not improving see your doctor. If you are already being treated for impetigo and there has been no improvement within 2–3 days of antibiotics, return to your doctor.

MRSA

Staphylococcus aureus is a strain of “staph” bacteria. Staph that is resistant to penicillin antibiotics is commonly called MRSA, and is a common cause of skin infections. While MRSA bacteria are resistant to penicillin and penicillin-related antibiotics, most staph infections can be easily treated by health care practitioners using local skin care and commonly available non-penicillin-family antibiotics.

A Staph infection typically begins as small red bumps or pus-filled bumps, which turn into deep, painful sores. If you see a red bump or pus-filled bump on the skin that is worsening see your doctor right away.  Your doctor may need to obtain a culture of the infected skin for MRSA before starting antibiotics.  To prevent spread of infection to others, infected wounds, hands, and other exposed body areas should be kept clean and wounds should be covered during therapy. If your doctor prescribes antibiotics, be sure to take the full course. If you suspect a staph infection, contact Compassion Dermatology for a dermatologist in Southlake, TX.

For the treatment of impetigo, or other skin conditions, contact Compassion Dermatology to schedule an appointment with a dermatologist in Southlake, TX. We offer professional services in a relaxing atmosphere. Our dedicated dermatology practice and holistic approach help to ensure both your health and well being.