Lesions, yellowish scabs… It could be impetigo, a very common skin infection in babies and young children. Symptoms to recognize it, causes and treatments (natural or not).
Lesions that evolve into yellowish crusts? What if it was impetigo? It is the most common bacterial skin infection in children under 10 years old. It is caused by bacteria from the family of staphylococci and/or streptococci. How do you know if it’s impetigo? Is impetigo dangerous? Contagious ? How to cure impetigo in a baby? Duration, photo, symptoms, treatment…
What is impetigo in babies?
Impetigo East a highly contagious infectious skin disease. Most often, children are affected. It spreads by scratching.
What causes impetigo in babies?
“Impetigo is related to Streptococcus or Staphylococcus aureus infection“explains Dr. Paul Dupont, dermatologist, author of Caring for your skin naturally, published by Eyrolles.
What are the symptoms of impetigo in babies?
The lesions are characteristic by their topography and appearance. “In general it isa small isolated bubble in the form of a light bulb or small confluent vesicles grouped into a sometimes larger lesion. Gradually, they are covered with yellowish crusts which, when scratched, release a purulent liquid. The lesions are often on the face, around the nose or around the lips but they can generalize all over the body“, specifies the dermatologist.
Photo of impetigo in a child (face)
What is the treatment for impetigo in babies?
The treatment of impetigo is based on disinfection of the plates withDalibour water then on the application of a antibiotic cream. “But before that, it is always necessary to take a bacterial sample to realize an antibiogram which will allow you to choose the most effective antibiotic“, specifies Dr. Dupont. In case of impetigo in children, there are strict hygiene rules to adopt:
- Wash your hands well
- Cut nails short
- Avoid the swimming pool as long as the child is contagious
- Do not bathe children together
What are the natural solutions?
In the complementary care that was recommended in the past, there isapplication of baked potato starch on the crusts. This makes it possible to soften the scabs and prevent the lesions from leaving scars. “The use of essential oils may be recommended in the event of antibiotic resistance, but in this case, these must be diluted to 0.5 or 1% in olive oil. On the other hand, they cannot be used on children under five without prior medical advice”, warns the dermatologist. The most effective are essential oils ofcompact oregano, lemongrass and eucalyptus radiata. Lavender essential oil can also be helpful in promoting wound healing. “Then, to heal the plaques, you can use a organic multivitamin cream containing both vitamins A, E and C. And a course of cod liver oil in the form of oily capsules can be recommended to strengthen immunity. Even if it has a bad smell, you can also put it on the pimples“, underlines the specialist.
Thanks to Dr. Paul Dupont, dermatologist, author of Caring for your skin naturally, published by Eyrolles.