Treatment of Impetigo with Microcid®
For the entire period one displays symptoms, and above all while impetigo is being treated, it is essential to obtain good hand hygiene and keep up a clean surrounding. Good hygiene is important both for the person infected and for those providing care for them. Hands must be washed regularly, especially following contact with an infected area or after having contact with an object that may carry the infection.
Use soap and water to remove scabs. Try to remove as much of the scabs as possible to get an effective treatment since it is under the surface of the scabs the bacteria has the best chance of surviving. Lubricate with Microcid®, 2-3 times / day.
Latest treatment Information from the Swedish Medical Products Agency (Läkemedelsboken 2014)
The incubation period is 2 to 3 days and the encrusted wounds are contagious until the wounds have healed completely. If possible, the infected area with encrusted wounds can be covered with a bandage. This minimises the risk of contagion and gives the wounds time to heal.
When cleaning the infected area it is recommended that disposable gloves are used to minimise the risk of spreading the disease. In addition to washing and changing textiles regularly, make sure to clean frequently used surfaces of the home , wash toys and machine wash soft toys before using them again.
Good Impetigo advice
Use disposable gloves when cleaning Impetigo infections. Avoid direct contact with the affected area as much as possible. Keep the infected area covered with a bandage if possible. Change and wash pillowcases, towels and sheets every day, as Impetigo can be spread trough contact with textiles. Try to make sure the child doesn’t scratch the encrusted wound. A good idea is to keep the child’s nails cut short. Use a hand disinfectant.
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Antibiotic resistant Impetigo
Antibiotic resistance arises when bacteria undergo mutation. The mutation can result in the bacteria acquiring new characteristics, hence, replicate better than the bacteria that have not undergone mutation. An antibiotic resistant bacteria strain can be developed when a mutated bacteria becomes less sensitive to antibiotics. This type of bacteria mutations can result in the bacteria blocking the transport of antibiotic to the cells, or the bacteria may form substances that degrade antibiotics or pump antibiotic out of the cells.
MRSA (methicillin-resistent Staphylococcus aureus): MRSA is a strain of staphylococcal bacteria that has become resistant to common antibiotics. This form of bacteria can cause both bullous and non-bullous Impetigo, as well as other types of skin infections.
When treating Impetigo it is no longer recommended to prescribe drugs containing fusidic acid or mupirocin, as resistance has been developed against these substances.
In recent years, antibiotic resistance has increased. The Swedish Medical Products Agency has changed its recommendations since 2011 and has determined that routine use of antibiotic creams should be avoided because of the risk of resistance.
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Site updated 2016-01-15