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HIGHLY CONTAGIOUS IMPETIGO POSES THREAT TO CHILDREN WHO SCRATCH INSECT BITES Young children are most vulnerable to insect bites because their size puts them closer to the ground and consequently to flowers and plants which harbour biting insects. A child's natural reaction to an insect bite is to brush away the insect and then scratch the bite. Unfortunately this scratching puts them in danger of contracting impetigo, a common bacterial skin infection which is highly contagious. If left untreated impetigo can quickly spread through a family or school. Impetigo occurs when a break in the skin, such as an insect bite or scratch comes in direct contact with streptococcal or staphylococcal bacteria. In young children, who are often exposed to bacteria playing in gardens or parks, the bacteria lodges under their finger nails and then enters the body when the child touches a bite or scratch. Impetigo occurs most often on the face, arms and legs. The disease can spread over a child's body through scratching or rubbing a towel across a sore and then using the towel on other body parts. The disease spreads to others through direct body contact or through sharing of towels, bedding or clothes. Young children, whose play often involves direct body contact, are extremely vulnerable to impetigo. The disease is most common in hot, humid weather when insects abound, making a child's body vulnerable to bites and possible infection. The disease usually begins with a reddish spot or bump on the skin. Yellow pus accumulates and dries leaving a honey-coloured scab which is likely to be scratched. Generally not considered a serious disease, impetigo does need prompt attention to stop the spread of the infection to other people. In extreme cases, the infection can invade a deeper layer of skin and develop into eczema, an ulcerated form of the disease in which small, pus-filled ulcers form a crust much darker and thicker than that of ordinary impetigo. Eczema can be very irritating and can cause permanent scars and pigment changes if untreated. In about 1% of cases, mainly in children, a kidney disease, glomerulonephritis, can develop from impetigo. Symptoms include nausea, headache, low urine output or puffiness around the face and on limbs. Impetigo is just one reason why parents and children should avoid insect bites by making sure they are protected with proper clothing and with insect repellents that are appropriate for children. If a bite does occur a bite remedy should be used immediately to help relieve the itching that causes the child to scratch the bite. After BiteŽ can also help guard against impetigo. Its simple formula of ammonia and mink oil not only reduces the itch, it also neutralises the effect of the bite cleaning the bite area and promoting speedy healing. Antihistamine creams are also beneficial. NatrapelŽ, Ardern's chemical-free insect repellent, is especially suitable for use on children. Natrapel has been shown in tests to be an effective alternative for parents to use on youngsters because it offers a natural-based formula for protection against insects. Natrapel provides protection for up to three hours and can be reapplied as often as required. It is ideal for use in areas without heavy insect infestation, which would include most play areas. Stopping insect bites in the first place is the best way to avoid impetigo but the threat of the disease can also be reduced by using an effective remedy when bites do occur. Parents should have both weapons on hand when summer arrives. |
Ardern Healthcare Ltd | Pipers Brook Farm | Eastham
Tenbury Wells | Worcestershire | WR15 8NP
Tel: 01584 781777 Fax: 01584 781788
E-mail: Info@ardernhealthcare.com
Tenbury Wells | Worcestershire | WR15 8NP
Tel: 01584 781777 Fax: 01584 781788
E-mail: Info@ardernhealthcare.com