What Is It And How Do You Get It
by Linda Shaw, MD
What do you want to know? Come ask the experts! A selection of answers to your questions...
by Linda Shaw, MD
What do you want to know? Come ask the experts! A selection of answers to your questions will be regularly posted on the site. For instant gratification, click here to see what other questions have already been answered. Something not here that you want to know? Well come on -- ask your question! The question:
My toddler has a recurring case of impetigo, and we're starting to feel like it will never go away! What are the different treatments for this condition and which one is the most effective? -- Melissa, Alexandria VA
What do you want to know? Come ask the experts! A selection of answers to your questions will be regularly posted on the site. For instant gratification, click here to see what other questions have already been answered. Something not here that you want to know? Well come on -- ask your question! The question:
My toddler has a recurring case of impetigo, and we're starting to feel like it will never go away! What are the different treatments for this condition and which one is the most effective? -- Melissa, Alexandria VA
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The Pediatrician Answers:
Impetigo is a mixed staph and strep infection of the skin. When it is relatively
confined, it will respond to washing with antibacterial soap (like Phisoderm) and
application of antibacterial ointment. The prescription ointment Bactroban works well.
If impetigo is large or spreads despite these measures, then a course of oral antibiotics
may be in order. The antibiotic should work on both staph and strep, so generally a
cephalosporin (like Keflex) or erythromycin is used.
If the toddler is in daycare, he/she
could be reinfected from another child in daycare and develop recurring impetigo.