Impetigo

Conveniently located to serve Alpharetta, John's Creek, Milton, and Roswell

Impetigo is a type of bacterial skin infection that is highly contagious and usually affects children, although it can also occur in adults. It is characterized by red sores or blisters that may leak fluid and form a crust with a honey-like color. For expert guidance and treatment of impetigo in Alpharetta, look no further than Dr. Ravi R. Patel. Dr. Patel is a respected specialist in the treatment of infectious skin conditions and the founder of the House of Dermatology.

Bacterial Infection: Impetigo is primarily caused by bacteria, with two types being the most common culprits: Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes. These bacteria are commonly found on the skin’s surface and can enter the body through breaks in the skin, such as cuts, scrapes, insect bites, or pre-existing skin conditions like eczema.

Direct Contact: Impetigo is highly contagious and can spread through direct contact with an infected person or objects and surfaces contaminated by the bacteria. The infection can easily pass from one individual to another, making it common in environments like schools, daycares, and sports facilities.

Poor Hygiene: Inadequate hygiene practices can contribute to the spread of impetigo. Individuals who do not maintain good handwashing habits or fail to keep their skin clean and dry are at a higher risk of contracting and spreading the infection.

Warm and Humid Climates: Impetigo is more prevalent in warm and humid climates, as these conditions promote bacterial growth and increase the likelihood of skin irritation and infection.

Topical Antibiotics: For mild cases of impetigo, topical antibiotics are often the first line of treatment. Over-the-counter or prescription ointments, creams, or gels containing antibiotics can be applied directly to the affected areas. These medications work by killing the bacteria causing the infection and promoting healing.

Oral Antibiotics: In more severe or widespread cases, or when the infection does not respond to topical treatments, oral antibiotics may be prescribed. Antibiotics like penicillin, amoxicillin, or cephalexin are commonly used to combat a bacterial infection systemically and prevent its spread to other parts of the body.

Proper Wound Care: Keeping the affected areas clean and dry is essential for promoting healing and preventing the spread of impetigo. Gently washing the sores with mild soap and water, followed by applying an antibiotic ointment and covering with a clean bandage, can help to prevent further infection.

Avoiding Skin-to-Skin Contact: To prevent the spread of impetigo to others, individuals with the infection should avoid close skin-to-skin contact until the sores have healed completely. Additionally, they should refrain from sharing personal items such as towels, clothing, and bedding.

Good Hygiene Practices: Maintaining proper hygiene is crucial for preventing the spread of impetigo. Regularly washing hands with soap and water, especially after touching the affected areas, can help minimize the risk of infection.

Treating Underlying Skin Conditions: In cases where impetigo is a complication of an underlying skin condition, such as eczema, treating the primary condition is essential to prevent recurrent infections.

A consultation to confirm a diagnosis of impetigo is crucial for effective treatment. Using a combination of clinical evaluation, thorough examination, and laboratory tests, Dr. Patel will ensure accurate identification of the infection. This will enable him to create a treatment plan to address your specific needs.

The price of impetigo treatment varies, and treatment may be covered by your health insurance provider. Our friendly and knowledgeable billing staff will be happy to answer payment, billing, and insurance questions.