i am a female and 16 years old.
I think i have impetigo on my ear again….i had it on my ear exactly less than 12 months ago. it is my left ear which is the same ear again!
I would like to know:
What is impetigo?
Why i get impetigo?
Is it a common infection?
Is it common to get it again soon in the same place?
I also wear earrings and I had to take them out last year and last week. I think it could be something to do with them?
1. Impetigo is a bacterial infection caused by Staph or Strep.
2. Spreading it usually requires coming into direct contact with a lesion or with objects that an infected person has touched.
3. It’s more common in very young children but is still seen in adolescents and adults.
4. Yes, it is common for a person that has had an infection to have another within 9 months.
5. Your earrings may or may not have something to do with it. Soak them in some isopropyl alcohol or get an alcohol swab and wipe them down really well. Both can be bought at a drug store.
It’s very important that you wash the area thoroughly with soap/water to prevent the infection from becoming worse. Wash your hands regularly as well. You should see your doctor for antibiotics.