IMPETIGO

FACTS

• It's either caused by one of the two kinds of bacterias, strep (streptococcus) or staph (staphylococcus).
• Most common skin infection in children.
• It causes red sores that can break open, ooze fluids, and develop a yellow brown crust.
• It's common in army barracks, or in warm, humid places.
• Mainly effects newborns and children.

It's often passed when the skin has already been irritated or injured because of other skin problems such as eczema, poison ivy, insect bites, burns or cuts.

The treatment depends on the severity of your symptoms, as well as the type of bacteria causing the impetigo. It could be treated with antibiotics or antibiotic cream. It can be prevented by washing your hands and maintaining good hygiene.

If you have to copay for a doctors visit it's normally $10-$50. For a regular doctors visit around $200. The ointment, which cost $160 and the antibiotics cost anywhere from $5 to $140 depending on the brand. It has a huge cost on the community because the mortality rate for adults is 63%.