08/24/2007

NEW TREATMENT FOR IMPETIGO

Impetigo is a highly contagious skin infection and one of the most common among young children, especially during summer. It often develops when bacteria invade a sore or rash that has been scratched.
Impetigo is typically treated with antibiotics, and the newest one is an antibiotic ointment called retapamulin. Recently approved by the FDA for the treatment
of impetigo due to the common bacteria Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes in adults and children over the age of nine months, the drug is a new molecular entity not previously approved in the U.S. Retapamulin is used twice daily for five days.
Other prescription topical antibiotics are used as much as three times daily for up to twelve days.

If you or your child has a rash that is crusted, slow to heal, or eczema that is worse than usual, it may represent impetigo. Many times simple topical therapy like Ratapamulin as well as basic good skin care techniques is sufficient to treat impetigo. However, an initial course of oral antibiotics can often hasten resolution of this potentially resistant problem. At ELMHURST DERMATOLOGY, we diagnose and treat skin disease in patients of all ages including impetigo. Call us at 630-832-2111 to schedule a consultation. We are located at 242 N. York Road, Suite 101, Elmhurst. Most medical insurances, Visa, and MasterCard are welcome.

P.S. Impetigo usually produces blisters on the affected area.