What is the conventional treatment of impetigo?
Antibiotics are the mainstay of conventional therapy. Topical anti-microbial ointments are often effective for staph impetigo, and treatments such as Bactroban (Mupirocin) ointment are commonly used. These can also work for strep impetigo, but failures and relapses seem to be more common. Bacteria can often hide under scabs and resist treatment until removed. Soaking in warm water with a liquid antibacterial soap usually works, but gentle rubbing is sometimes necessary. Oral antibiotics such as Keflex (Cephalexin) – or Bactrim (Septra) are used if there are concerns about methicillin-resistant-staph (MRSA). They can used be used in combination with topicals as a faster and more reliable therapy for stubborn cases, and are frequently recommended if the infection appears widespread or deep, or if topical ointments may be removed prematurely by infants who are prone to wipe or lick them off. In April 2007, the FDA approved a new topical treatment for impetigo, called Altabax (retapamulin
