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Impetigo is a skin infection caused by bacteria which usually appears around the mouth and nose of children 2. Ringworm is also a skin infection but is caused by fungus 1. It can affect the skin on your scalp, body, groin and feet.
If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately.
Impetigo Symptoms
Impetigo symptoms are itching, red sores that burst open and ooze and blisters which are painless but full of fluid 2. More severe impetigo causes painful sores full of fluid or pus 2.
Ringworm Symptoms
Ringworm in Babies
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Some ringworm symptoms consist of red, itchy, scaly patches of skin that might blister and ooze 1. Your nails may become thick and discolored and your scalp, if affected, may have bald patches.
Impetigo Treatment
Treatment of impetigo includes keeping the skin clean to allow the infection to heal on its own, oral antibiotics and topical antibiotics such as mupirocin ointment placed on sores and blisters 2.
Ringworm Treatment
Early Staph Infection Symptoms
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Keep your skin dry and clean, wash your sheets and bed clothes daily while infected and use over-the-counter antifungal medicine. See your doctor for prescription antifungals and antibiotic medication if your ringworm won’t clear up 1.
Impetigo Complications
Impetigo is not usually serious but can lead to kidney inflammation, cellulites, MRSA infection, scarring and skin discoloration 2.
Ringworm Complications
Complications of ringworm include bacterial skin infections, the ringworm spreading and the development of other skin disorders such as contact dermatitis 1.
Related Articles
References
- Ringworm
- Impetigo
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Impetigo. Updated May 29, 2020.
- Hartman-adams H, Banvard C, Juckett G. Impetigo: diagnosis and treatment. Am Fam Physician. 2014;90(4):229-35.
- Peppard WJ, Daniels A, Fehrenbacher L, Winner J. Evidence based approach to the treatment of community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Infect Drug Resist. 2009;2:27–40. doi:10.2147/idr.s3794
- Creech CB, Al-Zubeidi DN, Fritz SA. Prevention of Recurrent Staphylococcal Skin Infections. Infect Dis Clin North Am. 2015;29(3):429–464. doi:10.1016/j.idc.2015.05.007
- American Academy of Dermatology Association. Impetigo: diagnosis and treatment.
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Glomerular diseases. Updated April 2014.
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Serena Brown graduated from the University of South Alabama with a bachelor's degree in communication. She has more than 15 years of experience in newspaper, radio and television reporting. Brown has also authored educational, medical and fitness material.