{"id":5893,"date":"2019-04-19T05:14:45","date_gmt":"2019-04-19T05:14:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.today\/?p=5893"},"modified":"2021-03-31T17:21:01","modified_gmt":"2021-03-31T17:21:01","slug":"14-causes-of-impetigo","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.today\/14-causes-of-impetigo\/","title":{"rendered":"14 Causes of Impetigo"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Impetigo is a bacterial infection that affects the skin. While it is more common in children, it can affect people of all ages. Outbreaks are often seen in areas where there are a lot of people or children such as schools, offices, and daycares. The bacteria can travel by direct or indirect contact and can infect multiples areas of the body at the same time. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The symptoms of impetigo are usually easy to identify. It appears as red, bumpy, crusty lesions and blisters on the body. It is usually found around the mouth, eyes, hands, and feet, but it can appear in other areas of the body as well. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Many people spread it to other areas by scratching and picking at the lesions. The infection is caused by the streptococcus bacteria, which can cause other types of infections as well, including strep throat. If you think a person may have impetigo, it\u2019s best to avoid contact with them and their belongings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Contact with Infected Person<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The most common way for a person to contract impetigo <\/a>is from another person who has it. The bacteria can easily transfer from person to person through direct contact. If the infected person brushed up against another person, or wipes their infected skin and then touches another person, they may spread the bacteria. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is one reason it is important not to scratch the blister or lesions that often appear as a result of an impetigo infection. You should also be sure to wash your hands if you are infected with the bacteria to avoid spreading it. The bacteria spread easily, and it may only take a small amount of fluid from a blister or lesion to carry the bacteria to another person. Once a person begins treatment for the infection, it only takes a short time for the infection to clear up. If you notice lesions or blisters on a person, avoid direct contact with that person.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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2. Insect Bite<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Some insects can carry the bacteria <\/a>that cause impetigo. Their bites even though small, can open up the skin and allow the bacteria to infect the body. Most insect bites itch, and when scratched, the skin is broken, which can also allow the bacteria to spread or enter the body. Anytime the skin is open and exposed; the body is vulnerable to bacterial infections.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If the insect bite only goes into the first layer of skin, the bacteria may only be present in a small area on the surface of the skin. The bacteria can come from almost anywhere, and children and adults may have it on their hands or under their nails. When they scratch or pick at the skin, the bacteria can travel from the hands or nails to the skin, and infect it. If you have an insect bite, it\u2019s important to treat it with antibiotic cream and avoid scratching or picking at it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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3. Skin Injury<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Injuries <\/a>can give bacteria a way to enter the body. Injuries to the skin allow bacteria like impetigo, to infect the skin and easily spread to other areas. Most people don\u2019t think twice about small scratches or scrapes on the body. They tend to them with bandages if necessary, but then forget about them and allow them to heal. While most skin injuries are not serious and don\u2019t require medical treatment, they can still make you vulnerable to infections. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s important to clean any scratch or scrape thoroughly with soap and warm water. It\u2019s also a good idea to apply triple antibiotic ointment to the injury to help fight off any bacteria and prevent them from entering the body through the skin. You can also apply a Bandaid to the cut to help protect it. Remember, you will eventually need to let it air out so it can heal properly. You should also check the injury for signs of redness and swelling, which could mean it is infected.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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4. Surface Contact<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Impetigo can live on surfaces for some time. If a person who already has an infection has been touching, picking, or scratching the infected area, and touches a surface such as a desk, phone, or doorknob, they can transfer the bacteria to that surface. If another person comes along and touches that surface, they can pick up the bacteria. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If they have an open sore or happen to scratch their skin, they can transfer the bacteria to their skin and get an infection. Surfaces can be cleaned with antibacterial sprays and bleach. If you have impetigo, you should wash your hands often and use antibacterial <\/a>gel to keep them clean in between washing them. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you suspect you may have been exposed to someone with the infection, monitor your skin for signs of infection and see a doctor for treatment. The sooner the infection is treated, the less likely it is to spread or become severe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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5. Animal Bite<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Animals can carry the bacteria that cause impetigo. Their bites can transfer the bacteria to a human. They can also break open the skin and leave it exposed to infections. Some people think of animals bites as big, serious injuries that require medical treatment. Even small bites such as those from a playful puppy or kitten, a nip from a hamster or pet mouse, or even a small peck from a bird, can make a person susceptible to the infection. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you are bitten by an animal and it breaks the skin, you should treat the injury by washing it with warm, soapy water. If possible, pour alcohol over the wound to disinfect it. Add triple antibiotic ointment to it and cover it with a bandaid for a few hours. Monitor the injury for signs of redness <\/a>and swelling, as these are signs of infection. If you suspect the wound is infected, seek medical treatment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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6. Infection by Streptococcus<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Streptococcus is a common infection that can affect children and adults. It can lead to a variety of different health problems and symptoms, most notably strep throat<\/a>. Strep throat is a type of infection that begins in the throat and tonsils. It can be treated with antibiotics and if left untreated, can be serious and lead to complications. People who have recently had a streptococcus infection are susceptible to impetigo. The bacteria that causes strep throat is the same one that causes impetigo. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The only difference is that strep throat is an infection in the throat and impetigo is an infection in the skin. Some people can have both at the same time, and others only show symptoms of impetigo once their strep throat symptoms have subsided. Both are treated with antibiotics and should clear up within a few days. Many people simply assume the symptoms of impetigo are symptoms of strep throat and don\u2019t realize they are different infections.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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7. Crowded Conditions<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The more you are exposed to the bacteria that cause impetigo, the more likely you are to get it. It\u2019s common to see a lot of people with the infection in an office, daycare, or school. When people are in crowded areas such as a classroom or cubicle, they are likely to expose each other to bacteria and other illnesses. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Surfaces are more likely to be contaminated <\/a>and less likely to be cleaned thoroughly. Kids pass it around in school by borrowing pencils, sitting at each other\u2019s desks, and playing with the same toys and equipment on the playground. Exposure rates go up in crowded conditions. While it\u2019s impossible to protect yourself from the infection completely, you can try to avoid crowded areas, avoid direct contact with people who appear to be sick or have skin lesions and blisters that may be impetigo. Washing your hands often and protecting any cuts or scrapes on the skin can also help.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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8. Sharing Clothing<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Most people don\u2019t realize that bacteria can travel and spread through soft surfaces. If you share clothes with someone, you could get impetigo from them. Sharing blankets, towels, and washcloths can also spread the bacteria. The fabric rubs up against the body, including lesions <\/a>and blisters on the skin. The bacteria can travel to the clothing and then travel from the clothing to another person. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you do share clothes, you should wash them before wearing them. If you shop at yard sales and secondhand shops, always wash the clothes as soon as you get home. Don\u2019t try them on in the store. Some secondhand stores do disinfect their clothing, but you never know who else has tried the clothing on once it\u2019s on the rack. If possible, wash clothing with disinfected detergent to help kill any bacteria that may be present. Keep in mind you can also pick up the bacteria from brushing up against someone\u2019s clothing who has the infection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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9. Change of Seasons<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Bacteria and viruses are most active during the change of seasons, particularly in the shift from winter to spring, and summer to fall. During this time, the changes in temperature<\/a> and humidity cause viruses to replicate and bacteria to spread. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s around this time of the year that preschoolers tend to come down with everything from pinkeye to impetigo. During the change in seasons, it\u2019s vital that you increase your family\u2019s preventative strategies for avoiding bacterial or viral infection. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Give your kids a brief on how to improve their hygiene. Teach them to wash their hands frequently, and avoid sharing food and drinks with the other kids. Some kids may think they are selfish, but if you teach your kids about the difference in being selfish and being cautious, they should understand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If your child does come down with impetigo, make sure you quarantine them until the infection clears. Sending them to school puts the other children at risk of disease.
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10. Sports-Related Transmission<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Kids that train and compete in sports at school are also at risk of contracting the bacteria that causes impetigo from other kids on the sports field. If your child competes or trains in sports like junior wrestling or football, they come in contact with the other kid’s sweat while on the mat or sports field. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

As a result, the bacteria transfer from the infected child, and the new infection will start to incubate and manifest symptoms <\/a>in 72-hours after contact with the infected person. Kids that compete in these types of sports should take a shower after practice to remove as much bacteria and sweat from their skin as possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Use a product like DefenseSoap to kill off any dangerous bacteria, and protect your skin from infection. While this strategy may not stop the bacteria, it may prevent its spread and growth, reducing the intensity of symptoms in the patient when the disease manifests.
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11. Diabetes<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Statistics from the CDC show that more than 30-million Americans are living with diabetes<\/a>. This blood sugar disorder affects the body\u2019s production of insulin, requiring the affected individual to use exogenous insulin injections or medications to manage their blood sugar, and prevent them from falling into a coma after eating meals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While diabetes in children is relatively uncommon, many children are living with prediabetes \u2013 the precursor to the disease. Kids that overeat candy and drink sugary soda will continuously have high blood sugar levels. This elevation in blood glucose eventually starts to affect the pancreas, which loses its insulin sensitivity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As a result, the pancreas starts to experience aberrations in insulin production, causing the onset o type 2 diabetes. Children with prediabetes or diabetes type 2, are at higher risk of contracting the bacteria that causes impetigo, as well as many other pathogens that can have a severe adverse effect on their health.
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12. Dialysis<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The kidneys act as a filter for the bloodstream<\/a>, removing excess fluid and toxins from the body through urine. Patients with kidney disease or kidney dysfunction require dialysis to replace the natural function of the kidneys. If the patient does not receive this treatment, they may end up experiencing toxic shock as toxins accumulate in the bloodstream. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dialysis helps to maintain the balance of body fluids and electrolytes, and without it, patients in the advanced stages of kidney disease may perish due to renal failure. Doctors started using dialysis to treat patients with kidney disease in the 1940s. Since then, the treatment remains as the only means of cleansing the blood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Patients with kidney disease that are receiving dialysis treatment for their condition are at higher risk of developing impetigo. When in a weakened state, the body is prone to infection, and patients may find that they incur a slew of adverse health complications.
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13. Skin Issues<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Patients that have existing skin issues may be at a higher risk of catching the bacteria that cause impetigo. Millions of Americans live with skin disorders, such as eczema <\/a>and psoriasis. Doctors are still at a loss to explain the cause of these conditions, but they think that the disease may be an autoimmune condition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Autoimmune disorders occur when the immune system confuses healthy cells in the body, with invading pathogens. As a result, the immune system attacks skin cells, causing the development of rashes and plaques associated with psoriasis and eczema.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Patients who are already dealing with these skin disorders have a higher chance of infection with impetigo bacteria. The skin is already battling the effects of the rash or the plaques, and the immune system is busy trying to destroy itself. Therefore, when impetigo bacteria land on the skin, they find it easy to infect the affected areas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

People who have severe sunburn are also at risk of infection with the bacteria that causes impetigo as well.
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14. Complications<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Both children and adults who develop impetigo are at risk of developing complications with this skin disease. In most cases, complications are rare, but around 10 to 15-percent of all infected individuals may experience some contributing condition that manifests from the impetigo bacteria. Some of the more common complications associated with impetigo include;<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Acute post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis \u2013 A severe disease that inflames the capillaries in the kidneys.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cellulitis \u2013 This is a severe skin infection, caused by the Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. If this infection spreads to the bloodstream, it can become life-threatening. Some patients may also develop Staphylococcus scalded skin syndrome (SSSS), a severe skin disease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The patient may experience an inflammation of the lymphatic system<\/a>, resulting in the development of lymphangitis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The patient may experience a bacterial infection of the bloodstream that leads to a severe adverse health disorder known as sepsis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Scarlet fever \u2013 an uncommon Streptococcus pyogene infection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Guttate psoriasis \u2013 A skin disorder occurring in both children and adults that are getting over a severe skin infection, such as impetigo.
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