wow, thats a new one on me! I did not know it wasn't fungus! No wonder its so awful, its staph! Here is something I googled on it:
Signs and Symptoms Impetigo may affect skin anywhere on the body but commonly occurs around the nose and mouth, hands, and forearms. When impetigo is caused by group A streptococcus, it begins as tiny blisters. These blisters eventually burst and leave small wet patches of red skin that may weep fluid. Gradually, a tan or yellowish-brown crust covers the affected area, making it look like it has been coated with honey or brown sugar. Impetigo that is caused by staphylococcus aureus triggers larger fluid-containing blisters that appear clear, then cloudy. These blisters are more likely to stay intact longer on the skin without bursting. Contagiousness Impetigo may itch and can be spread by scratching. Kids can spread the infection by scratching it and then touching other parts of the body. Impetigo is contagious and can spread to anyone who comes into contact with infected skin or other items, such as clothing, towels, and bed linens, that have been touched by infected skin. Treatment When it just affects small areas of the skin, impetigo can usually be treated with antibiotic ointment. But if the infection has spread to many areas of the body, or the ointment isn't working, your child's doctor may prescribe an antibiotic pill or liquid. Once antibiotic treatment begins, healing should start within a few days. It's important to make sure that your child takes the medication as the doctor has prescribed it. If that doesn't happen, a deeper skin infection or a blood infection could develop. While the infection is healing, gently wash the areas of infected skin with clean gauze and antiseptic soap every day. Soak any areas of crusted skin in warm soapy water to help remove the layers of crust (it is not necessary to completely remove all of it). To keep your child from spreading impetigo to other parts of the body, your child's doctor or nurse will probably recommend covering infected areas of skin with gauze and tape or a loose plastic bandage. Keep your child's fingernails short and clean. Prevention Good hygiene practices, such as regular hand washing, can help prevent impetigo. Use soap and water to clean your child's skin and be sure your child takes baths or showers regularly. Pay special attention to areas of the skin that have been injured, such as cuts, scrapes, bug bites, areas of eczema, and rashes caused by allergic reactions or poison ivy. Keep these areas clean and covered. Make sure that anyone in your family with impetigo keeps his or her fingernails cut short and that the impetigo sores are covered with gauze and tape. Prevent impetigo infection from spreading among family members by using antibacterial soap and making sure that each family member uses a separate towel. If necessary, substitute paper towels for cloth ones until the impetigo is gone. Separate the infected person's bed linens, towels, and clothing from those of other family members, and wash these items in hot water. When to Call Your Child's Doctor Call your child's doctor if your child has signs of impetigo, especially if he or she has been exposed to a family member or classmate with the infection. If your child is already being treated for impetigo, keep an eye on the sores and call the doctor if your child's skin doesn't begin to heal after 3 days of treatment, or if a fever develops. If the area around the rash becomes red, warm, or tender to the touch, notify your child's doctor as soon as possible. Reviewed by: Kathleen M. Cronan, MD Date reviewed: October 2005 Originally reviewed by: Linda Lewis, MD --
