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Impetigo is an infection usually caused
by streptococcus. Occasionally the bacteria present
in unclean bathrooms, in spoiled food and in our own
bodies. A child may get impetigo with an open wound
or fresh scratch bathing in an unscrubbed basin
or tub. Staphylococcus aureus can cause impetigo.
These bacteria lurk everywhere. Using a towel or even
a bar of soap used by a person infected with impetigo
can spread the infection. Other skin related problems
such as body lice, insect bites, fungal or strap infections,
boils or various forms of dermatitis can make a person
susceptible to impetigo.
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The
gravest potential complication of impetigo is; Glomerular
nephritis, a severe kidney disease that rarely occurs,
mainly in children.
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| What are the symptoms? |
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A small patch of blisters, after a few
hours breaks into a red, moist area that oozes fluid;
appears mainly on the face, but also on exposed
areas of the arms and legs. In a few days, formation
of a golden or dark-yellow crust, resembling grains
of brown sugar occurs. The infection may continue
to spread at the edges of the affected area.
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Sores associated with impetigo may be mistaken
for herpes, a viral infection. Impetigo spreads faster,
never develops inside the mouth, and is rarely confined
to one area of the body.
Children
tend to get it first on the face, especially around
the nose and mouth. In extreme cases the infection
invades a deeper layer of skin and develops
into ecthyma, an ulcerated form of the disease. Ecthyma
forms small, pus-filled ulcers with a crust much darker
and thicker than that of ordinary impetigo. Ecthyma
can be very itchy and scratching, the irritated
area spreads the infection quickly. If left untreated,
the ulcers may cause permanent scars and pigment changes.
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| What are the Causes? |
Impetigo
is an infection usually caused by streptococcus. Occasionally
the bacteria present in unclean bathrooms, in spoiled
food and in our own bodies. A child may get impetigo
with an open wound or fresh scratch bathing
in an unscrubbed basin or tub. Staphylococcus aureus
can cause impetigo. These bacteria lurk everywhere.
Using a towel or even a bar of soap used by a person
infected with impetigo can spread the infection. Other
skin related problems such as body lice, insect bites,
fungal or strap infections, boils or various forms
of dermatitis can make a person susceptible to impetigo.
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Many
get this highly infectious disease through physical
contact with someone who has it, or from sharing the
same clothes, bed, towels or other objects. The very
nature of childhood, which includes lots of physical
contact and large group activities, makes children
the primary victims and carriers of impetigo. Excessive
sweating, malnutrition and poor hygiene can aggravate
the condition.
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| Which treatment is ideal? |
The key for treating and preventing
impetigo is good personal hygiene and a clean surroundings.
Once the infection occurs, prompt attention will keep
it under control and prevent its spread.
Normally, patient`s
of impetigo do not enter a
Homoeopathic clinic since they have
been controlled by stronger antibiotic
treatment by the modern medical experts. But
a few cases do not respond often and lead
them with complications like
Glomerulo nephritis. Finally the patients
rush to Homoeopathic treatment..
A suitable Homoeopathic
remedy chosen for an impetigo patient
raises the immunity and defends
the micro-organisms to restore
the lesions without complications.
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