What Is Impetigo?

by T. Berry Brazelton, M.D., author of Toilet Training: The Brazelton Way

What It Looks Like: This is a rash that commonly occurs in older children and on parts of the body beyond the diaper area. But since it can occur whenever there is skin breakdown, it certainly can occur in infants in the diaper area. It looks quite different from the large numbers of tiny little red spots sprinkled across the buttocks, thighs, and genitals that appear with diaper rash.

Impetigo—an infection of the skin by common strep or staph bacteria (staphylococcus, streptococcus)—first appears as a few larger sores that may appear anywhere on the infant's body, but often on the back, stomach, and buttocks. They are a darker red, almost brown color, and ooze a small amount of yellow fluid that forms a crust. Because this fluid contains the infecting bacteria, these sores can easily spread if they are touched—to other parts of the body, and to other people.

What To Do: Call your doctor about the rash. He or she is likely to prescribe an anti-bacterial ointment, or even, for more severe or long-lasting cases, an antibiotic to take by mouth. You'll want to cover the sores with the ointment as often as the doctor says (usually at least two or three times a day and after bathing). After touching them be sure to wash your hands with soapy warm water. If you can't keep your baby from scratching the sores, cut his fingernails short, wash his hands frequently, and keep other people from touching the sores. Keep the baby's towels and clothing separate from everyone else's.

Because these blisterlike sores are caused by bacteria, your baby may also have a fever. Rarely, impetigo can be a sign of a more serious infection—if your baby has a fever, vomiting, or darkened urine with these sores, call your doctor right away. Even if none of these other symptoms is present, you'll still want to seek your doctor's advice, especially for small babies.

Excerpted from:

Excerpted from Toilet Training: The Brazelton Way © 2004 by T. Berry Brazelton, M.D., and Joshua D. Sparrow, M.D. All rights reserved including the right of reproduction in whole or in part in any form. Used by arrangement with Perseus.

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