Impetigo skin disease in children is different from smallpox

Impetigo skin disease is often considered smallpox because of the similarity of the signs that appear. However, in reality, these two skin diseases are very different. Overcoming impetigo skin disease is not difficult to do.

Impetigo skin disease is a common skin infection, especially in infants and children. This skin infection is caused by bacteria. Impetigo usually appears on the face, especially in the nostrils, mouth, hands and feet.

There are two types of impetigo skin diseases, namely:

Crustose Impetigo Skin Disease

Crustose impetigo is a type of impetigo that is often found. The sign of this infection is a wound covered in yellowish crust called crust. This is why this type of impetigo is called crustose impetigo.

Skin disease with impetigo

Bullous impetigo is a type of impetigo with a sign different from the first type. The sign of this type of impetigo is the appearance of blisters in the form of blisters filled with a liquid called bullae. Therefore, this type is called bullous impetigo.

Anyone can suffer from impetigo skin disease. However, the following factors make a person more at risk of developing impetigo.

A toddler. Before the age of 5, the child's immune system is not fully developed. Intense physical activity outside the room makes physical interaction with the environment more frequent, so it is more likely to be influenced by impetigo.
Patients with eczema and other skin infections that cause dry and itchy skin that can be injured due to scratching and are affected by impetigo.
Open wounds on the skin, such as diabetics, burns, insect bites, or rashes, can also be impetigo.

Impetigo skin disease is different from smallpox

Bullous impetigo is an impetigo skin disease that is often considered smallpox. Although impetigo and smallpox or smallpox snake are two different skin infections.

If impetigo is caused by streptococcal or staphylococcal bacteria, smallpox itself is caused by the varicella-zoster virus. Among the injuries caused, smallpox only forms wounds on one side of the body, on the right or on the left. But in impetigo, sores can occur anywhere on both sides of the body.

It is important to know that these two diseases are different because the treatment or treatment of skin diseases due to bacterial infections is also different from viral infections.

How to overcome impetigo skin disease?

Usually, the doctor will prescribe antibiotic ointment in people with impetigo. However, taking antibiotics can also be given in more severe cases. Usually, within 1-3 weeks, impetigo will recover.

In addition to medicines given by doctors, some prevention and home care efforts can be carried out, such as

Regular bathing with soap and running water.
If there are wounds on the skin, treat them carefully.
Avoid rubbing the wound so it does not spread to other parts of the body.
Use different towels, toiletries and clothing for each family member. In patients with impetigo skin disease, temporarily separate the use of bed linen.
Avoid skin contact with impetigo sufferers.

If your child has a skin ulcer with blisters, check for impetigo or smallpox. If you are still unsure, take the child to the doctor.