What Are The Remedies To Treat Impetigo In Babies?

What Are The Remedies To Treat Impetigo In Babies?

6 Feb 2023 | 4 min Read

Manisha Pradhan

Author | 1053 Articles

Impetigo in babies is a common skin infection that affects infants and young children. They appear as red, blister-like sores that are accompanied by a yellow-crusted surface. These sores can be painful, itchy and uncomfortable for your baby, and it’s essential to start treatment as soon as possible to avoid the spread of the infection to other parts of the body or other individuals. 

What Causes Impetigo In Babies?

Impetigo is caused by bacteria, usually staphylococci organisms. Babies can be exposed to the bacteria that cause impetigo when they come into contact with the sores of someone who’s infected with it or with items such as toys, clothing, towels and bed linens etc, they’ve touched. The bacteria that cause impetigo enter the skin through an insect bite, rashes or small cuts. 

It spreads easily in crowded settings, such as childcare facilities and schools and is most common in children aged between two to five years. Impetigo infections are more common in humid and warm weather. 

Children with skin conditions, such as eczema or with a weakened immune system are more prone to develop impetigo. 

Here are some of the remedies to treat impetigo in babies:

Remedies To Treat Impetigo In Babies

Antibiotic ointments: 

Your doctor might advise you to use antibiotic ointments which work by killing the bacteria responsible for the infection. These ointments can be applied to the affected area up to three times a day and should be continued until the sores have healed.

Antibiotic oral medications: 

If the impetigo is severe or has spread to a large area of the skin, oral antibiotics may be prescribed. Amoxicillin, penicillin, or erythromycin are some of the antibiotics that are commonly prescribed. Your paediatrician will determine the best medication for your baby based on their symptoms and overall health.

Keeping the affected area clean and dry: 

The affected area needs to be kept clean and dry. This will prevent the spread of the infection and promote healing. Use a natural baby wash to bathe your baby and after each bath or diaper change, the affected area should be dried thoroughly and covered with a clean, dry bandage.

Using natural skin care products: 

It’s advisable to use natural baby-friendly skin care products like creams and lotions to help soothe the skin and reduce itching. Look for products that contain ingredients such as moringa and pumpkin seed oil that are rich in antioxidants. Chemical-based skin care products are not only harmful to your baby’s skin but can also flare up the infection.

Avoid scratching: 

Impetigo can be incredibly itchy, but it’s essential to avoid scratching the affected area. Scratching can cause the infection to spread and can also lead to scarring. If your baby is struggling to resist the urge to scratch, consider covering their hands with mittens or applying natural lotion to the affected area.

impetigo in babies
Scratching can cause impetigo in babies to spread/ Image source: Freepik

Practice good hygiene: 

Good hygiene is key to preventing the spread of impetigo. This includes washing hands frequently and avoiding close contact with others who have the infection. It’s also essential to avoid sharing towels, washcloths, or any other personal items with others. Clean the diaper area and the creases of your baby’s skin thoroughly. Apply a diaper rash cream to keep the diaper area dry.

Keep the environment clean: 

Keep your baby’s environment clean and free of bacteria. This includes washing their bed linens and clothing regularly and using a disinfectant to clean surfaces that they come into contact with frequently.

It’s essential to start treatment as soon as possible to prevent the spread of impetigo. Antibiotic ointments or oral medications, keeping the affected area clean and dry, using natural baby skin products and avoiding scratching are some of the remedies to treat impetigo in babies. 

Additionally, good hygiene and a clean environment can help prevent the spread of infection. If you’re concerned about your baby’s skin, it’s important to speak with your paediatrician for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

Cover image source: freepik

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