Symptoms:

The honey colored crust that forms on the sore is one of the symptoms unique to impetigo. Impetigo is one of the most common skin infections. It usually appears around the mouth, nose, neck and hands although it can affect any area of the body. Many children that have habits such as thumb sucking, nose picking, or licking of lips which eventually end up with impetigo. Another common cause is scratched insect bites.

Causative Agent:

The causative agent is bacteria, one of two types, group A streptococcus or staphylococcus aureus. The bacteria invades skin that is broken down, irritated, scratched or burned.

Is Impetigo contagious?

Impetigo is very contagious. It can be spread directly by hands or indirectly through clothes, towels, or objects that have been contaminated.

Treatment:

In minor cases where small areas of skin are involved over the counter antibiotic ointments are usually affective. Prior to applying antibiotic ointment area should be washed with soap and water and crust gently removed. If the infection spreads to a larger area or is not improving you should see your physician as oral antibiotics may be needed.