At-Home Care for Widespread or Continued Impetigo
Aivaz says that for some people, impetigo can be recurrent, especially in those with sensitive skin conditions.
“Not everybody who touches bacteria gets impetigo, and usually you are predisposed to it if you have some break in the skin barrier. Sometimes people have eczema, and that dry, cracked skin is a portal of entry for bacteria,” she notes.
Aivaz also shares that some people, especially those who work in healthcare settings, can asymptomatically carry staph in their anus, belly button, or nose. For those with recurrent impetigo, Aivaz suggests a mild bleach bath, especially for kids.
“I will have mom or dad do a one cup of bleach in an entire bathtub, and have the little kiddo splash around in it for 10 minutes — maybe once or twice a week. That will really help decrease the bacterial counts on the body and minimize the risk of getting impetigo,” says Aivaz.
However, if your impetigo has returned and worsened, Alexis Monique Javier, DO, a pediatrician with Children’s Memorial Hermann Pediatrics in Houston, says that you should return to your doctor.
“Someone should seek treatment if the skin shows signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, pain on contact, drainage such as honey-crusted lesions or pus-like liquid, and/or fever,” cautions Dr. Javier.
And, if any of these symptoms don’t clear and begin to spread or worsen, you should immediately contact your physician.
Should You or Your Child Stay Home During Treatment?
Impetigo is very contagious, and the safety of bringing your child back to school or day care depends on the severity of the case and the age of your child. Generally, the infection is contagious until the scabs come off or the rash disappears.
“Since impetigo is highly contagious, the child should avoid close contact with other children until the rash disappears or improves after two days on antibiotics,” says Javier.
Aivaz says that if the rash is localized and you can cover it with a Band-Aid or clothing, there’s no need to miss school or work.
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