You should call our office if you might have a skin infection.  Skin infections usually do not itch.  They are painful.  Infections spread over the next 2-6 hours after appearing.  If you have a "knot" under the skin that is painful with redness it may be a boil or abscess.  MRSA is one cause of these infections that require treatment early in the course of the disease.  Impetigo is a superficial usually non tender infection that has more crusting of the skin with redness.  There can be much more serious skin infections that can be life threatening.  If you have symptoms suggestive of an infection CALL OUR OFFICE.

Impetigo

Impetigo is a superficial bacterial infection of the skin, typically caused by staphylococcal or streptococcal bacteria.  Breaks in the skin, by scrape, cut or insect bite, allow the bacteria into the skin leading to the infection.  Impetigo develops first as red bumps that progress to cloudy fluid filled blisters that break open, leaving crusted scabs.  The nose and mouth are typical places for the impetigo to begin, but it is very contagious and may spread quickly with scratching.

Treatment with either oral antibiotics and /or special prescription antibacterial ointment will help treat the infection.  The rash is contagious until your child has been on antibiotics for 24 hours.   Try to discourage your child from touching or picking at the sores.  Avoid sharing towels or washcloths with an infected person.   Good hand washing is a must.

The infection may be more serious if the spots become very painful, more than an inch in diameter, or if your child develops fever.