Does my son have impetigo?

[kdoe1991]

My 9 yr. old son developed a cold sore right on the edge of his nose. Not a bad one or anything. A few days ago I noticed a sore ( a small scratch-like) on the side of his nose close to his right eye. I thought it might be from where he wears glasses but now it is a cluster of blisters that looks like they have burst and a scab ( a deep scab) have formed over some of them. I was wondering if it is impetigo, and if so, how do I treat it so close to his eye with him wearing glasses? I have never seen impetigo. The only thing I know about it is what I have read on this website. Any info would really help.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
You can apply diluted peroxide and wash it after 2-3 minutes and then apply the antibiotic cream.It will not cause any harm.

I hope that helps.Take care and pls do keep me posted on how your son is doing or if you have any additional queries. Kind regards.

[kdoe1991]

Thank you so much for the info. I had been cleaning it with antibacterial soap and taking a Q-tip and dipping it in peroxide. Then letting it kinda drip on to the burst blisters. Do you think I'm doing more harm than good with the peroxide? I also put Neosporin on it afterwards.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
From the symptoms that you have mentioned,it sounds like impetigo.It is a superficial bacterial skin infection most common among children 2 to 6 years old.

Keep the area clean by washing it with fresh water and applying topical antiseptics.Then apply Mupirocin or Neosporin cream on the skin.If symptoms are intense,then oral antibiotics may be needed.

I hope that helps. Take care and pls do keep me posted on how your son is doing or if you have any additional doubts. Kind regards.

[jagesh50]

Sure does look like.Mupurocin application should clear,bedtime appications should be fine.Best to avoid eyecontact,if too close internal antibiotic by your doctor.