Impetigo

Impetigo is a common skin infection, commonly noticed in school-going kids. This skin condition is characterized by blisters and sores and is caused by group A streptococcus or staphylococcus aureus. Skin irritations caused by insect bites, allergies or eczema are more prone to turning into impetigo, because of repetitive scratching. Impetigo is highly contagious and spreads on contact with infected skin or infected items.

Typically symptoms of impetigo are noticed on the face and arms. What begins as tiny blisters may turn into moist areas of skin that develop a crust. The blisters and sores are itchy but rarely painful. Ecthyma is a serious manifestation of impetigo infection that leads to painful sores on the limbs. These pus-filled sores may leave scars on healing. Maintaining good hygiene is critical to prevention of impetigo. Ensure that the infected area is kept clean. Kids must be inculcated with regular cleaning habits such as bathing and cleaning regularly as well as cutting fingernails short. Use of antibacterial soap is recommended.

An infection of impetigo usually clears up in a few weeks. Treatment for impetigo usually begins with antibiotic creams or ointment. Oral antibiotics are prescribed if the infection festers. These medications are based on the severity of the infection. In most cases, derivatives of penicillin, erythromycin or cephalexin are prescribed.

Cervical Lymphadenitis

Cervical Lymphadenitis is inflammation in the lymph glands of the neck. This lymph gland enlargement is usually secondary to any viral or bacterial infections. This condition is often noticed with tonsillitis, pharyngitis or even dental infection. Cervical Lymphadenitis is commonly seen in children suffering from upper respiratory infection. Infections such as diptheria, tuberculosis or wounds caused by cat-scratch disease or impetigo can bring on Cervical Lymphadenitis.

Symptoms of Cervical Lymphadenitis include pain and tenderness in the lymph glands of the neck. There might be cough, sore throat and fever. Often patients suffering from Cervical Lymphadenitis experience irritability and earache. In some cases, scalp infections or impetigor or dermatitis is noticed. Chest x-rays and skin tests are used to diagnose the cause for the swollen lymph nodes. The infected nodes are sometimes aspirated for further analysis. Biopsy might be done in some cases.

In most cases, Cervical Lymphadenitis does not need any treatment. Once the cause for the swollen lymph glands is identified, appropriate treatment is prescribed. Pencillin or dicloxacillin is often used.

Swimmer's Itch

Swimmer's Itch refers to an allergic rash to an infection that has been transmitted from the fresh or saltwater. A swimmer may notice small reddish pimples with accompanying burning and itching. This can occur anytime from minutes to hours after swimming in contaminated water. The cause for swimmer's itch can be traced to parasites released from infected snails. They usually infect birds and semi-acquatic mammals. These parasites penetrate human skin adn die but lead to an allergic reaction in some people. When the baseline temperature of the water is condusive to the proliferation of these parasites, cases of swimmer's itch are noticed. Often swimmer's itch is confused with impetigo, poison ivy or herpes. Continuous exposure to contaminated water can increase the severity of the symptoms. This skin condition is treated with antihistamine or mild corticosteroid cream. Scratching may cause abrasions and lead to infection.