~ Skin infection caused by bacteria ~
One of the first signs that you probably have impetigo is having small blisters around your mouth or nose which, once they burst and dry up, leave you with honey-coloured scabs.
There is another kind of impetigo that affects babies and younger kids. Those blisters take a longer time to burst and are usually bigger. Also the liquid that comes out of the blisters is usually clear and then turn cloudy.
How do you get impetigo? We all have bacteria living on our faces, in our noses and on our skin. They do not cause any illnesses most of the time, but if the bacteria you have is streptococcus or staphylococcus aureus and you have a cut or if you scratch your skin when a mosquito bites you, it can get into the tiny opening made in your skin by your scratching and infect you.
If you have impetigo, your doctor will give you an antibiotic cream to put on the blisters that will kill the bacteria. If the infection has spread or if the cream is not working, you may be given antibiotic pills or medicine to take for about 10 days. The blisters may itch but you must try not to scratch them or touch them as the bacteria would then spread to other parts of your face or body or even to someone else.
Impetigo is very catching so you must be sure to cover your sores with a band aid when you go to school or are out anywhere in public. If someone in your family has impetigo, make sure you do not touch them and keep away from their towels, sheets, pillows and clothes.
The best way to avoid getting impetigo is to make sure you wash your hands regularly with soap, have showers regularly to keep your skin clean and keep your nails short and clean. Also, if you have any scratches or cuts, keep them clean.
