What medicine is used for impetigo?

This is an automatically translated article.

The article was consulted with Specialist Doctor I Le Thi Thu Hang - Dermatologist - Department of Medical Examination & Internal Medicine - Vinmec Hai Phong International General Hospital.
Impetigo is a skin infection caused by bacteria that is common in young children. When impetigo, the infected skin will appear blisters, red blisters and when broken, will form sores.

1. Medicine for impetigo - topical form

Topical impetigo medications usually have the main purpose of reducing painful symptoms, improving inflammation and disinfecting, and limiting infection. Common topical medications for impetigo include antiseptics, ointments,...

1.1 Antiseptics

1.1.1 Povidone Iodine

This is an antiseptic solution containing the active ingredient Povidone Iodine, which can be used directly on the skin. When applied to the damaged skin, Povidone Iodine will be released to prolong the antiseptic - antibacterial effect.
However, this antiseptic solution is contraindicated for the following subjects:
Children under 2 years old. Pregnant and lactating women. Patients with thyroid disorders. The patient is allergic to any of the ingredients in the solution.

1.1.2 Chlorhexidine

Another antiseptic solution, similar to Povidone Iodine, is used to apply to the skin affected by impetigo. However, when applying this impetigo medicine, it should be avoided with soap because it will cause side effects.

1.1.3 Castellani

Castellani is a topical bactericide, applied to the skin and commonly used for the treatment of impetigo, purulent dermatitis... or other inflammatory skin conditions caused by staphylococcus or streptococcus.

1.1.4 Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen Peroxide, also known as Hydrogen Peroxide with the formula H2O2, is commonly used in disinfecting open wounds or skin lesions, preventing infection.
For impetigo, the patient should apply Hydrogen Peroxide to the damaged skin 1-3 times per day to prevent superinfection (infection with many other bacterial strains besides the causative agent).

1.1.5 Millian

Milian is an antiseptic solution containing methylene blue. This active ingredient has the ability to bind to nucleic acids in bacteria or viruses, then break down these cells when exposed to sunlight.
However, methylene blue is toxic to patients with renal failure, pregnant or lactating women, and G6PD deficient subjects. Therefore, these subjects should avoid using the above product.

1.2 Ointment

Ointments (or topical antibiotics) are a specific class of impetigo medications. The main active ingredients of products in this group of drugs often have the role of inhibiting the growth of bacteria or killing bacteria.

1.2.1 Mupirocin

This is a topical antibiotic with many active ingredients that kill bacteria and prevent the growth of many common strains of skin infections such as Streptococcus, Staphylococcus Aureus... This drug has a direct inhibitory effect on bacteria. cause disease.
You can use Mupirocin 3 times a day to improve skin infections and reduce skin damage.
However, the drug is contraindicated with:
Pregnant women. People with diarrhea.

1.2.2 Gentamicin

Gentamycin is a topical antibiotic that belongs to the Aminoglycoside group. The drug responds well to staphylococcus, methicillin-resistant strains, aerobic gram-negative bacteria... by inhibiting protein biosynthesis of these pathogenic bacteria.

1.2.3 Fusidic Acid

Fusidic acid is the main topical antibiotic active ingredient, can be applied to most gram-positive bacteria, including Staphylococcus and penicillinase-resistant strains...
When using Fusidic Acid, it should be noted only should be applied within 7 days maximum because long-term use of antibiotics can increase the number of resistant bacteria.

2. Oral medicines for impetigo

Besides applying externally, some oral drugs also contribute to the effective treatment of impetigo, such as antibiotics, pain relievers, fever reducers...

2.1 Antibiotics

2.1.1 Cephalexin

An antibiotic belonging to the Cephalosporin group, which has the ability to affect the cell wall of bacteria, break the wall and kill pathogenic bacteria.
Dosage of Cephalexin for impetigo is usually 250mg / time, each time is 6 hours apart.

2.1.2 Amoxicillin

A popular antibiotic, is a derivative of Penicillin with the effect of inhibiting and killing pathogenic bacteria. The drug responds well to most gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, streptococcus, staphylococcus...

2.1.3 Trimethoprim

Trimethoprim is an antibiotic that inhibits bacteria with the main active ingredient being able to inhibit bacterial enzymes. This drug is often used in combination with Sulfamethoxazole to absolutely inhibit the growth of bacteria.
However, the drug may cause some unwanted effects on the skin such as itching, red rash...

2.1.4 Oxacillin

This is an antibiotic of the Isoxazolyl Penicillin group with a strong ability to inhibit penicillinase-secreting staphylococci, especially the staphylococcal strain that causes impetigo.

2.2 Pain relievers and fever reducers

Besides specific impetigo medications, to improve symptoms, the use of some pain relievers, fever reducers ... are also extremely helpful.
Some commonly used antipyretic pain relievers are:
Paracetamol : A popular pain reliever, safe for all subjects, including children and pregnant women. The drug can improve mild pain and simultaneously lower body temperature. NSAIDs (Aspirin, Ibuprofen...): a group of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, which reduce inflammation and improve pain. However, if not used properly, the group of drugs can cause stomach bleeding, bleeding... Medicines for impetigo have been widely researched and developed so far. However, it is necessary to have a reasonable and scientific treatment course to ensure that the drug does not cause side effects as well as give rise to multi-drug resistant strains of bacteria.
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