Impetigo contagiosum – causes, symptoms, treatment. how can you prevent infection?

Impetigo contagiosum, also known as herpes zoster, is a skin and nerve disease caused by the Varicella-Zoster virus. Although it may seem less common than chickenpox, it still poses a serious threat to people who have already been exposed to the Varicella-Zoster virus. In this article, we will discuss what impetigo contagiosum is, its causes, symptoms, treatments, and how you can prevent the infection.

Impetigo contagiosum – what is this disease?

Impetigo contagiosum, or herpes zoster, is a disease of the skin and nervous system caused by previous infection with the Varicella-Zoster virus, which is responsible for chickenpox. After chickenpox, the virus remains dormant in the body and can reactivate later in life, causing contagious impetigo.

How often does it occur and in whom can it occur?

Impetigo contagiosum is not a rare condition. It is estimated that at least one third of the population may experience this disease in their lifetime. Impetigo most often occurs in people over 50 years of age and in those whose immune system is weakened due to illness, stress or immunosuppressive drugs.

Types of impetigo contagiosum

There are several types of impetigo, the most common of which is impetigo shingles. It manifests itself with pain and a characteristic rash on one side of the body, usually around the torso or face. Other less common types include mucosal, ocular and generalized impetigo.

Impetigo contagiosum – symptoms

The symptoms of impetigo can be quite bothersome. The first signs are severe pain and tingling in the area where a rash will later appear. This is followed by a characteristic red rash in the form of fluid-filled blisters that is very itchy and painful. The rash usually lasts 2-4 weeks.

Impetigo contagiosum – diagnosis and diagnosis

The diagnosis of impetigo contagiosum is made by a doctor based on clinical symptoms and the patient’s history. Sometimes skin or laboratory testing may be necessary, especially if symptoms are unusual or occur in people with weakened immune systems.

Impetigo contagiosum – treatment

Treatment of impetigo contagiosum aims to alleviate symptoms and shorten the duration of the disease. Your doctor may prescribe antiviral medications and painkillers. It’s also important to properly care for the rash and avoid scratching to prevent complications. In some cases, physical therapy or rehabilitation may be necessary.

How can you prevent infection?

The best way to prevent impetigo is the varicella vaccine, which is available for children and adults. Vaccination can reduce the risk of impetigo and alleviate the severity of symptoms in the event of infection.

Your suggestions

If you suspect you have impetigo or are experiencing symptoms, consult your doctor immediately. It is also worth remembering to maintain a healthy lifestyle, take care of the immune system and avoid stress to reduce the risk of disease.

Recommended articles

If you want to learn more about impetigo and other skin and viral diseases, we recommend reading other articles on this topic available on our website. Health and prevention are key to maintaining the good condition of the body, so it is worth being well informed on this subject.

Let’s remember that impetigo is a serious condition that can be painful and bothersome, so it is important that we take care of our health and take appropriate precautions to avoid infection.