Impetigo Treatment Online
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Guide for
Impetigo Treatment Online
By Medical Editor:
Dr. Francesco-Maria Serino, MD, PhD
October, 2024
Summary
Impetigo is a contagious bacterial skin infection, often seen in children but also affecting adults. It starts as red sores or blisters that burst, forming a honey-colored crust. The primary causes are the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes, which enter the skin through minor injuries. Symptoms vary by type: non-bullous impetigo typically affects the face, while bullous impetigo creates larger blisters, usually seen in young children.
Treatment depends on the severity—mild cases are managed with topical antibiotics like mupirocin, while more extensive cases require oral antibiotics. The infection can survive on surfaces for several days, making hygiene essential to prevent spread. Impetigo typically heals within one to two weeks with treatment.
What is Impetigo?
Impetigo is a common, highly contagious bacterial skin infection that primarily affects children but can occur in adults as well. It typically appears as red sores or impetigo blisters that burst and form a yellow-brown crust. Impetigo on the face, scalp, and legs are common locations for these sores to appear, though it can develop on other parts of the body, like around the mouth, which might lead to confusion with cold sores (impetigo vs cold sore).
What Causes Impetigo?
Impetigo bacteria are the primary cause, specifically Staphylococcus aureus (staph) and, less commonly, Streptococcus pyogenes (strep). These bacteria can enter the skin through small cuts, insect bites, or abrasions, making those with minor skin injuries more susceptible. Risk factors include warm, humid environments, close contact with infected individuals, and poor hygiene practices. The infection can spread easily, making impetigo contagious in close-contact settings like schools and daycare centers.
Can Adults Get Impetigo?
Yes, while more common in children, adults can also contract impetigo, especially in settings with close contact or poor hygiene practices.
What is the Difference Between Impetigo and Cold Sores?
Though both cause sores around the mouth, cold sores are viral (caused by the herpes virus), while impetigo is bacterial. Cold sores are recurring and often associated with a tingling sensation before sores appear, unlike impetigo.
Impetigo Symptoms
Impetigo symptoms vary based on the type, but typically begin as small red spots that quickly develop into fluid-filled impetigo blisters. These blisters burst and leave behind a characteristic golden or honey-colored crust. There are two main types:
- Non-bullous impetigo: The more common form, often starting as red sores around the nose and mouth and spreading elsewhere.
- Bullous impetigo: Characterized by larger, fluid-filled blisters, usually seen in infants and young children.
Additional symptoms may include itching or mild pain, especially if the infection spreads to other areas, such as the impetigo rash found on the diaper area, scalp, or legs.
Did you know that...
In some parts of the world, like Australian Aboriginal communities, impetigo caused by Streptococcus pyogenes has been linked to a reduced risk of streptococcal throat infections but a higher risk of rheumatic fever. This correlation has led to research into how skin infections might influence immune responses differently than throat infections.
Impetigo Treatment
Impetigo treatments aim to eliminate the infection and reduce the spread. Mild cases with only a few sores can often be treated with topical impetigo treatment cream, like mupirocin or retapamulin. For more widespread infections, oral impetigo medication may be necessary. Treatment options include:
- Topical creams (for limited sores): Mupirocin or retapamulin applied directly to the affected area.
- Oral antibiotics (for extensive infections): Cephalexin or dicloxacillin are often prescribed to combat both staph and strep bacteria.
For cases of bullous impetigo or infections that don’t respond to initial treatments, oral antibiotics are generally recommended. Maintaining good hygiene, washing hands frequently, and avoiding scratching can help prevent impetigo on face or other sensitive areas from spreading.
Is Impetigo Contagious?
Yes, impetigo is highly contagious. It can spread through direct contact with the sores or by sharing personal items like towels. Children should stay home from school until 24 hours after beginning treatment.
How Long is Impetigo Contagious?
Untreated, impetigo remains contagious until the sores have healed. With treatment, it is usually no longer contagious after about 24 hours of starting antibiotics.
Common impetigo treatments
Mupirocin
topical antibiotics
Cephalexin
oral antibiotics
How can Doctorsa help with impetigo treatment online?
If you’re looking for impetigo treatment online, you’ll be relieved to know that getting the help you need is now simpler than ever. With Doctorsa, you can consult a licensed doctor and receive a diagnosis from the comfort of your hotel or bed and breakfast. No need to rush to a clinic, hoping to find an English-speaking doctor or waiting in long lines—everything can be managed virtually.
During your online consultation for impetigo treatment, the doctor will ask about your symptoms, like red sores, blisters, or oozing patches on the skin. They may also ask if you’ve been in contact with someone who has impetigo, as it’s highly contagious. While a physical exam isn’t possible online, the doctor can often diagnose impetigo based on your description, and you can even send photos to help them assess your condition.
Once diagnosed, your doctor will provide you with the appropriate impetigo treatment online, such as a topical antibiotic like mupirocin or an oral antibiotic if the infection is more widespread. You can have your prescription filled at a nearby pharmacy or, in some cases, even have it delivered to your location—making the process convenient and accessible.
Remember that while antibiotics start working quickly, it may take a few days for sores to heal completely. Doctorsa also offers a 7-day free chat with your provider to ensure your treatment is effective and to answer any follow-up questions.
Getting impetigo treatment online is a fast and convenient way to manage this condition while traveling, offering you expert care and quick access to the medications you need.
References
Amagai, M., Matsuyoshi, N., Wang, Z. H., et al. (2000). Toxin in bullous impetigo and staphylococcal scalded-skin syndrome targets desmoglein 1. Nature Medicine, 6, 1275.
Becquet, O., Pasche, J., Gatti, H., et al. (2010). Acute post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis in children of French Polynesia: A 3-year retrospective study. Pediatric Nephrology, 25, 275.
Demidovich, C. W., Wittler, R. R., Ruff, M. E., et al. (1990). Impetigo: Current etiology and comparison of penicillin, erythromycin, and cephalexin therapies. American Journal of Diseases in Children, 144, 1313.
Liu, Y., Kong, F., Zhang, X., et al. (2009). Antimicrobial susceptibility of Staphylococcus aureus isolated from children with impetigo in China from 2003 to 2007. British Journal of Dermatology, 161, 1347.
Stanley, J. R., & Amagai, M. (2006). Pemphigus, bullous impetigo, and the staphylococcal scalded-skin syndrome. New England Journal of Medicine, 355, 1800.
How does it work?
99% of our users solve their issue within 1 hour. No waiting, no language barriers, no insurance needed.
Answer a few questions
Just answer a few questions about your impetigo symptoms and choose a convenient time for your online session. It’s simple and hassle-free, with no need to sign up.
Select and connect
Doctors respond in minutes. Select your preferred one and start your virtual consultation right from your web browser.
7-day free follow-up chat
Reach out to your doctor with any questions you might have, at no extra cost for 7 days following your consultation.
How does it work?
99% of our users solve their issue within 1 hour. No waiting, no language barriers, no insurance needed.
Answer a few questions
Just answer a few questions about your impetigo symptoms and choose a convenient time for your online session. It’s simple and hassle-free, with no need to sign up.
Select and connect
Doctors respond in minutes. Select your preferred one and start your virtual consultation right from your web browser.
7-day free follow-up chat
Reach out to your doctor with any questions you might have, at no extra cost for 7 days following your consultation.
Your questions answered
What is the Best Cream for Impetigo?
For mild impetigo, especially when only a few sores are present, the best creams are topical antibiotics like mupirocin or retapamulin. These creams are usually applied directly to the affected areas three times daily for about five days. They are effective at targeting the bacteria responsible for impetigo and are less likely to lead to resistance compared to oral antibiotics.
How Long Does Impetigo Live on Surfaces?
Impetigo bacteria can survive on surfaces for several days, which can increase the risk of spread, especially in shared spaces or among young children. Regular cleaning and disinfecting of surfaces, along with frequent handwashing, are crucial for reducing the risk of transmission from contaminated surfaces.
How Does Impetigo Start?
Impetigo usually starts when bacteria enter through minor skin injuries, like cuts, scrapes, or insect bites. These areas can quickly become infected if exposed to the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes, which are the primary causes of impetigo. The infection initially appears as small red spots that develop into fluid-filled blisters or pustules.
How Long Does Impetigo Take to Heal?
With treatment, impetigo generally heals within one to two weeks. Topical or oral antibiotics can accelerate healing, with noticeable improvement often seen within a few days. Untreated, the condition may persist for a longer period, increasing the risk of spreading to others.
How does Doctorsa work?
Open the intake form and choose one of the following options:
- Urgent Care: For immediate treatment of your impetigo via virtual care.
- Set Up an Appointment: To schedule a same-day or future appointment.
- Prescription Refill: Use this option if you have lost or forgotten your medication.
Next, select how you would like to receive appointment offers from doctors.
We recommend using WhatsApp as it is faster and more reliable. You will quickly receive various visit options. Choose the one that suits you best and proceed to online payment.
Video visits are browser-based, so no apps are needed. Simply click the link you receive to start your video visit in your browser.
After the consultation, expect to receive an invoice and an e-prescription via email. You can show or print the e-prescription to purchase medication at the pharmacy of your choice.
How do I get a prescription from an online doctor?
Following the consultation, the doctor will either email the e-prescription to you or send it via WhatsApp. You can then either print it out or show it directly to the pharmacist when purchasing the medication.
It’s important to understand that doctors must responsibly evaluate each case individually. They can’t simply prescribe medication solely based on a patient’s request or a recommendation from another doctor without confirming that it’s suitable for the patient’s specific condition.
How much does it cost?
The total cost may differ based on the providers. Each one competes for your request, offering a fair price tailored to your needs. On average, an online doctor visit costs 25 Euros. Prices for in-person appointments, specialists, and lab work vary by city. You can send a request to learn more—there’s no commitment to book, and you can select your provider.
Please note that the visit fee doesn’t cover medication expenses, but common antibiotics are quite affordable in Europe. The cost of antibiotic treatment typically ranges from 5 to 15 euros approximately.
Are doctors available on weekends?
Yes, whenever you submit your request it is instantly received by the doctors active at that time. Whether it’s late at night, on a Sunday morning, or on New Year’s Eve, there’s always someone on the other side who’s ready to see you. When you receive an option for an appointment, there’s a person behind it (a doctor) who’s read your request and is willing to assist you.
Can I contact the doctor for follow-up questions after the consultation?
You can message your physician with follow-up questions at no additional cost for up to 7 days after the video visit.