Both impetigo and cellulitis are caused by bacterial skin infectivity. It is essential that the two conditions are precisely distinguished so that suitable medications can be recommended. Fortunately, impetigo and cellulitis are commonly recognized by means of observing them alone. Here are of course other tips on how to separate these two skin conditions. Cellulitis
How to Differentiate Between Impetigo and Cellulitis
Tip #1: Learn certain things about impetigo
Impetigo is a bacterial skin infection, which is highly contagious to infants and children who are likely to infect each other and re-infect themselves. It is also contracted by adults in swimming pools, barbershops, summer camp sites and other places where bacteria thrive under inadequate sanitary conditions.
Tip #2: Know its causes.
Impetigo is caused by staphylococci or streptococci bacteria and is spread by direct contact with the fluid discharged from the sores. It may also be secondary to chickenpox, a fungus disorder, or other conditions in which skin lesions and low resistance permit bacterial invasion.
Tip #3: Learn about what happens next with impetigo.
The eruptions of blisters that quickly form yellowish crusts are easily confused with chickenpox and should therefore be diagnosed by a doctor. The parts most affected are the face, neck and scalp, and sometimes the arms and legs.
Tip #4: Know its dangers.
Unless promptly treated, the infection spreads and the open sores may become further infected, causing ulceration. Impetigo can be a dangerous condition in infancy and early childhood when it may involve the kidneys in a condition called glomerulonephritis. Approximately two percent of victims with streptococcus throat or skin infections develop this disorder.
Tip #5: Learn something about cellulitis
Cellulitis is a diffused inflammation of the loose connective tissue beneath the skin with formation of pus, due to infection. It has a tendency to spread, as indicated by red streaks. Penicillin combats it, but sometimes the infected part must be opened and the pus removed. It is an acute streptococcal skin infection which causes the afflicted area to turn fiery red, feverish, and acutely painful. The parts of the body most commonly involved are the face, hands and feet.
Tip #6: Differentiate impetigo and cellulitis
Scrutinize the skin that is distressed by bacteria. You will determine if it is cellulitis when the skin feels warm and develops a band or elongated formation on the skin. It is impetigo if you discover the occurrence of distinctive tiny blisters that has reddish brown liquid that when dehydrated is comparable to a honey-colored crust. Become aware of the consistency of the distressed part. Cellulitis is usually even, with the probability of a minor swelling of the skin while impetigo is characterized by bump and rough skin. Another difference between impetigo and cellulitis is that cellulitis is frequently indicated with fever as well as chills while impetigo is seldom associated to these symptoms.
Tip #7: Make some tests.
Examine if there is swelling within your glands because when you are experiencing cellulitis, you will most likely have swollen glands or lymph nodes and impetigo is not usually connected to swollen glands. You must also take into consideration the age of the person that is afflicted with skin infection. Cellulitis usually afflicts adults while impetigo commonly afflicts children. It is also necessary to bear in mind that both of these ailments can happen at any period of your life. Most importantly, you must recognize the skin infectivity according to the symptoms the individual is experiencing.
These are things to take note of when differentiating between impetigo and cellulitis. Do this to avoid mistaking one from the other.
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