Impetigo Eye Infections: Dangers, Prevention Tips and More

What is Impetigo?

Impetigo is a highly contagious bacterial skin infection that most commonly affects infants and children. However, it can occur in adults as well. It causes red sores or blisters to form on the face, usually around the nose and mouth area. The sores can also appear on other parts of the body.

Causes

Impetigo often occurs when bacteria enters the body through broken skin. Two types of bacteria primarily cause this infection - streptococcus (strep) and staphylococcus (staph).

Impetigo is spread easily through close physical contact or by touching something that has the bacteria on it. Scratching the sores and not washing hands frequently contributes to further spreading.

Symptoms

In the early stages, impetigo symptoms may include:

• Itchy, red sores or blisters, usually around nose and mouth
• Oozing and crusting lesions
• Honey-colored crusts on rash areas

As infection spreads, sores can develop in moist areas like armpits, neck, hands and diaper area of infants. Fever may accompany the infection as well.

Can Impetigo Infect the Eyes?

For most people with impetigo, the infection is limited to the skin. However, it's possible for the bacteria to spread to the eyes in some cases.

Causes of Impetigo Eye Infections

Possible ways impetigo can lead to eye infection include:

• Touching fluid from blisters then rubbing eyes
• Spread from lesions near the eyes
• Complications of kidney, heart or other conditions
• Unhygienic living conditions

Those with compromised immune systems, such as people with diabetes or kidney disease, have higher risk of further infection.

Symptoms

If impetigo spreads to the eyes, symptoms may include:

• Eye pain, irritation and redness
• Blurred vision
• Excessive tear production
• Eyelid swelling
• Pus drainage
• Sensitive to light

These symptoms indicate a potentially serious eye infection that needs prompt treatment.

Dangers of Impetigo Eye Infections

While impetigo itself rarely leads to major health issues, there are some potentially serious complications that can arise if left untreated - especially if the infection spreads to the eyes.

Cellulitis

This is a bacterial skin infection of the deeper layers of skin and tissues below the skin surface. Signs include:

• Warm, reddened skin
• Swollen areas
• Fever and chills

Cellulitis requires antibiotic treatment, and can come with complications like tissue damage, abscesses and blood infections if severe.

Conjunctivitis

Also known as pink eye, this common eye condition involves inflammation of the outermost layer of the white part of the eye and the inner surface of the eyelid. Symptoms may include:

• Pink or red color in eye
• Watery eyes
• Eyelid swelling
• Pus drainage
• Feeling like something is in your eye
• Itchiness and burning

Conjunctivitis is highly contagious. Proper treatment is vital to prevent permanent eye damage or vision loss from scar tissue.

Keratitis

This inflammation involves the front part of the eye called the cornea. Many cases are due to infections from bacteria, viruses or fungi. Symptoms may involve:

• Eye pain
• Tearing
• Redness
• Blurry vision
• Sensitivity to light

Keratitis requires prompt treatment with antibiotic or antiviral eye drops to prevent permanent vision impairment or blindness.

Corneal Ulcer

A corneal ulcer is an open sore that develops on the cornea, often due to infection. Warning signs include:

• Eye pain or soreness
• Tearing
• Sensitive to light
• Redness
• Blurred vision
• Pus or discharge from the eye

These ulcers can permanently scar the cornea and cause vision loss if not properly treated with antibiotics and other eye medications.

Preventing Spread to the Eyes

The key to avoiding complications with impetigo eye infections lies in prevention and prompt treatment. Follow these expert tips to keep impetigo from spreading and getting worse:

• See your doctor at the first signs of infection for proper diagnosis and antibiotics
• Monitor symptoms closely and report eye involvement right away
• Wash hands thoroughly and often, especially after touching lesions
• Avoid touching or scratching blisters and sores
• Be diligent about keeping lesions clean and covered with bandages
• Disinfect surfaces, clothes, towels and bedding frequently
• Avoid close contact with others until infection clears
• Don't share personal items like towels or clothing
• Keep skin infections treated properly to reduce recurrence

In most healthy people following good hygiene and treatment measures, impetigo generally resolves without further issues. But its always important to safeguard your eyes and overall health by staying alert to any concerning symptoms.

With prompt antibiotic therapy and precautions taken against spreading infection, complications like impetigo eye infections can often be avoided.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.