Impetigo is a highly contagious bacterial skin infection that most commonly affects infants and children under the age of 6. Adults are not immune, especially if they have been in close contact with infected children.
The infection is not only unpleasant because of its symptoms, such as painful rashes and scabs, but can also lead to serious complications.
Prompt recognition of problems and effective treatment are therefore essential so that preventive measures can be taken to reduce the risk of spreading the infection.
What is impetigo?
Impetigo is a superficial bacterial infection that affects the upper layers of the skin. It most commonly occurs in two forms: non-bullous impetigo, which is more common and usually less severe, and bullous impetigo, which is similar to non-bullous impetigo but causes larger blisters. The more serious form of impetigo, known as ecthyma, penetrates deep into the skin and causes painful sores that can develop into deep ulcers.
All types of impetigo are caused by the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes. Inflammation can be painful and cause severe discomfort, so it is important that the infection is diagnosed and treated quickly. Otherwise, impetigo can lead to serious skin complications such as cellulitis, kidney problems, scarring and spread to other parts of the body.
Symptoms of impetigo
Symptoms of impetigo initially appear as red rashes that develop painful blisters with clear contents or pus, which burst and are covered by scabs. The blisters can spread over the whole body, but most often appear on the facial area around the nose and mouth, on the hands and feet.
Nebullous impetigo most commonly affects the face, hands and feet, while bullous impetigo often occurs on the trunk and buttocks. It usually takes 7 to 10 days from exposure to the first symptoms. The infection causes itching and discomfort, which can interfere with sleep and daily activities, so treatment is mainly aimed at relieving these symptoms and preventing further spread of the bacteria. Without proper treatment, impetigo can become a chronic problem, leading to further health complications.
Rarely, a complication of glomerulonephritis can occur after impetigo, which is not directly related to the bacterial infection but to the immune system response that causes inflammation of the renal corpuscles. Symptoms such as swelling, high blood pressure, fever and bloody urine usually appear one to two weeks after the onset of impetigo.
Causes and modes of transmission
Impetigo can be spread through direct skin contact or indirectly through objects such as toys, towels, bedding and clothing.
Risk factors that can increase the chances of developing impetigo include:
- Warm and humid conditions, which are ideal for bacteria to thrive
- Small wounds and mosquito bites, where bacteria can easily enter the body
- Poor personal hygiene
- Skin diseases such as eczema or psoriasis, which can weaken the skin's protective functions
- Group activities where it is possible to come into contact with infected surfaces
Preventing impetigo
Maintaining basic hygiene habits is important to successfully prevent the spread of impetigo. Wash your hands regularly, use your own towels and bed linen and avoid direct contact with infected people as much as possible. However, if an infection does occur, antibiotics can take effect within 24 hours of treatment, quickly limiting the chances of further spread.
Remember to regularly clean and disinfect surfaces in your home or other places where infected people are present. By taking these simple steps, you can significantly reduce the risk of bacterial transmission and help keep your environment safe.
Using CBD to treat impetigo
Research has shown that CBD ointments and oils can help manage the symptoms of impetigo, such as pain, redness and inflammation, and speed up the healing process of the skin. CBD products are therefore recommended as an adjunct to standard treatments with antibiotics or antiseptic creams prescribed by a doctor.
Taking CBD drops orally has many benefits, such as anti-inflammatory effects, pain relief, immune support and general improvement of well-being. Hemptouch CBD drops are available in different concentrations, tailored to the condition of your problems.
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For topical treatments, we recommend Hemptouch Therapeutic CBD Balm, which contains an ideal concentration of CBD and other cannabinoids for a powerful anti-inflammatory and calming effect, plus hemp oil with omega fatty acids and plant butters to repair, nourish and protect the skin, which can offer an alternative or supportive treatment.
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Using these products can reduce the need for stronger medicines and the possibility of side effects, which is particularly important when treating children.
Effective management of impetigo starts with early recognition of symptoms. If standard approaches prove ineffective, alternatives such as CBD products can offer very valuable help. This way, we can effectively manage the infection and reduce its impact on our daily lives.
Viri
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/impetigo/symptoms-causes/syc-20352352
https://sl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Impetigo
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/impetigo
https://www.healthline.com/health/impetigo
https://www.zd-lj.si/zdlj/images/Impetigo_krastavost_ali_piodermija.pdf
Posted by Barbara Novak on date , updated on .
