skin disease

[theenquirer]

What bacterial inflammaory skin disease is caused by staphylococcus or streptococcus?

[teag1rl]

impetigo maybe?

[teag1rl]

SKIN INFECTIONS: IMPETIGO, CELLULITIS, ERYSIPELAS

Impetigo

Impetigo is an infection of the top layers of the skin and is most common among children ages 2 to 6 years. It usually starts when the bacteria get into a cut, scratch, or insect bite. Impetigo is usually caused by staphylococcus (staph), a different bacterium, but can be caused by group A streptococcus. Skin infections are usually caused by different types (strains) of strep bacteria than those that cause strep throat. Therefore, the types of strep germs that cause impetigo are usually different from those that cause strep throat.

Symptoms of impetigo

Symptoms start with red or pimple-like lesions (sores) surrounded by reddened skin. These lesions can be anywhere on your body, but mostly on your face, arms, and legs. Lesions fill with pus, then break open after a few days and form a thick crust. Itching is common. Your health care provider can diagnose the infection by looking at the skin lesions.

Transmission of impetigo

The infection is spread by direct contact with wounds or sores or nasal discharge from an infected person. Scratching may spread the lesions. From the time of infection until you show symptoms is usually 1 to 3 days. If your skin doesn't have breaks in it, you can't be infected by dried streptococci in the air.

Treatment for impetigo

Your health care provider will prescribe oral antibiotics, as with strep throat. This treatment may also include an antibiotic ointment to be used on your skin.
from: http://www.niaid.nih.gov/factsheets/strep.htm

[theenquirer]

Yes - I knew it began with an 'I'. Ta.

[theenquirer]

many thanks!

[teag1rl]

You're very welcome. Can I have some stars please? (click on rate this answer) I hardly ever know the answers!

[whiffey]

Also the common or garden boils and styes.