What is Impetigo (Mamaso)Have you ever notice a small blister that forms yellow or honey-colored crusts on your childs' face, body, arms or legs; and heard your mother or grandmother called it mamaso? Those small blisters are called impetigo, commonly known in the Philippines as mamaso. The name came from its nature of forming small blisters or paso before erupting into wounds.
Impetigo (mamaso) is a bacterial infection on the surface of the skin caused by staphylococcus and streptococcus bacteria.
Impetigo is highly contagious, and can be transmitted through skin to skin contact and sharing of towels and other household items. Once it starts, impetigo can often spread to the entire body and be contracted by other children.
How is Impetigo (Mamaso) Diagnosed?
Diagnosis is very straightforward, but should never be mistaken to other skin disease such as ring worm and scabies. The tale-tell of impetigo is the small blistering that forms an ooze.
It is still recommended to check with a physician and rule impetigo as the cause of the problem.
Treatment of Impetigo (Mamaso)?
Impetigo is not serious and should not cause worry. Mild impetigo may go away on its own without medicinal treatment, just by keeping the infected area dry and clean. However, for cases lasting more than 7days a topical anti-biotic ointment such as Mupirocin (Bactroban) can be applied on the wound's surface.
Clean and dry the area first, then apply a thin amount of Mupirocin on the wound 3 times a day. Covering the wound with a light gauze can help keep the wound clean and lower the risk of contracting it to the other areas of the body.
Your physician may also prescribe an oral anti-biotic in addition with the anti-biotic ointment, depending on the severity of the infection.
Source: Medicine.Net, Dermatology.FromYourDoctor.Com
