Two types of bacteria cause impetigo — Staphylococcus aureus (staph), which is most common, and Streptococcus pyogenes (strep). Both types of bacteria can live harmlessly on healthy skin and it is most common in children between the ages of two and six. Impetigo usually starts when bacteria get into a break in the skin, such as a cut, scratch or insect bite.
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Symptoms start with red or pimple-like sores surrounded by red skin. These sores can be anywhere, but usually they occur on the face, arms and legs. The sores fill with pus, then break open after a few days and form a honey-colored, thick crust. They are often itchy, but scratching them can spread the sores. Staph bacteria produce a toxin that causes impetigo to spread to nearby skin. The toxin attacks a protein that helps bind skin cells together. Once this protein is damaged, bacteria can spread quickly.
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Impetigo can spread by contact with sores or nasal discharge from an infected person or by items touched by an infected person, such as clothing, bed linen, towels and even toys.
If impetigo is not improved after three days, or any new infected areas appear, a physician should be called immediately. If left unattended, this infection can cause serious problems, such as pain; swelling; tenderness of the infected areas; discharge of pus; or a fever can develop.
Impetigo is usually treated with an antibiotic ointment or oral antibiotics for severe cases.
Dr. Ku's Ointment is a completely natural and safe way to heal impetigo because it has several properties for treating impetigo:
Anti-bacterial - Attacks and destroys the bacteria causing impetigo.
Antihistimine - Relieves the itching.
Antiseptic - Cleans and disinfects the skin around the site.
