How is ecthyma treated?

Very early cases may be treated with antibiotics that you apply to the affected area (topical antibiotics). Serious infections may need antibiotics given through a vein (intravenous antibiotics). Placing a warm, wet cloth over the area can help remove ulcer crusts.

What does ecthyma mean?

Ecthyma is a skin infection. It is similar to impetigo, but occurs deep inside the skin. For this reason, ecthyma is often called deep impetigo.

Is ecthyma painful?

Impetigo and ecthyma are itchy and slightly painful. The itching often leads to extensive scratching, particularly in children, which serves to spread the infection. Impetigo typically causes clusters of tiny blisters that rupture and develop a honey-colored crust over the sores (ulcers).

Will ecthyma go away on its own?

Ecthyma lesions may remain of constant size and resolve without treatment or they can enlarge to 3 cm in diameter. Ecthyma heals slowly, usually with a scar. Regional lymphadenopathy is common, even with solitary lesions.

What antibiotics treat ecthyma?

Oral penicillin is the standard of care for documented streptococcal ecthyma. Typically, a 7-day course is adequate. If concomitant or primary S aureus infection is suspected, oral dicloxacillin and cephalexin are recommended as isolates are typically methicillin-susceptible.

How is ecthyma diagnosed?

Diagnosis of impetigo and ecthyma is by characteristic appearance. Cultures of lesions are indicated only when the patient does not respond to empiric therapy. Patients with recurrent impetigo should have nasal culture. Persistent infections should be cultured to identify MRSA.

How do you clean ecthyma?

Treatment of Impetigo and Ecthyma The infected area should be washed gently with soap and water several times a day to remove any crusts. Small areas of impetigo are treated with antibiotic ointments or creams applied directly to the skin (topically).

What antibiotic is used for impetigo?

Impetigo is treated with prescription mupirocin antibiotic ointment or cream applied directly to the sores two to three times a day for five to 10 days. Before applying the medicine, soak the area in warm water or apply a wet cloth compress for a few minutes.

How do you test for ecthyma?

Gram stain and culture of ecthyma lesions reveal gram-positive cocci that represent group A streptococci, with or without Staphylococcus aureus. Prior group A streptococci infection can be detected by anti-DNase beta testing.

How can ecthyma be prevented?

Maintaining cleanliness is critical for preventing ecthyma. Using insect repellants to prevent bites also may decrease the prevalence of ecthyma.

What is the first line treatment for impetigo?

Topical antibiotics such as mupirocin (Bactroban) and fusidic acid (not available in the United States) are the preferred first-line therapy for impetigo involving limited body surface area.