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Expert Q&A
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| By John Dorsey, M.D. Pediatrician | ||
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How are Staph infections transmitted and how can Iprevent them?
Bacterial infections of the skin caused by Staph(staphylococcus aureus) or a staph/strep(streptococcus) combination are quite common in young children. Often called impetigo, multiple yellow crusty lesions commonly appear around the nose and lips or on hands and feet.
Staph infections can occur when a deep cut or puncture wound is not properly cleansed and treated, but impetigo develops in the superficial layers of the skin. Intact skin functions as a barrier to the bacteria we all carry and prevents germs getting into the body and causing problems. Any break in the integrity of the skin -- from an abrasion, aggressive scratching of an insect bite, or irritation from a runny nose, can let bacteria beneath the barrier and lead to impetigo.
As the bacteria that cause impetigo are carried on the hands or under the fingernails, the best way to prevent infection from starting, or spreading to other children in the family or in school/daycare, is by frequent hand washing and cleaning of toys and common surfaces, along with the appropriate treatment of small skin lesions. Small lesions, less than 1/4-inchin diameter, can be treated with OTC topical antibacterial ointments that contain Polymyxin BSulphate, Bacitracin and Neomycin. If there is noimprovement in two days, or new lesions are appearing in the area or other parts of the body, then the prescription ointment Bactroban is very effective.
Oral antibiotics are rarely called for, unless the infection is spreading rapidly. Red streaking, representing inflammation of the deeper tissues, demands seeking medical attention. Staph infections ininfants can be quite serious and should not be treated without advice from a physician.
Because of the fear of contagion many daycare centers and schools require the child to stay out of school while the impetigo lesions are still weeping. Covering the lesion may reduce the risk of spread, but if the area then stays wet and moist the infection is often made worse.
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