The German Association of Dermatologists said that shepherds are a skin bacterial infection that spreads by direct leather contact or by sharing some purposes such as towels, games or door handles.
The association explained that the infection is spreading rapidly, especially in the role of custody and schools, where bacteria enter the body through precise skin wounds such as scratches or insect bites, noting that children, who are between the ages of two and 6 years, are especially affected.
Current skin diseases, such as atopic dermatitis, oral herpes, or chickenpox, are also raised by the risk of infection. The incubation period usually ranges, that is, the period between the injury and the emergence of symptoms, between two and 10 days.
Symptoms
The shepherds often begin with small red spots or blisters that explode quickly and form a honey yellow crust. If you leave without treatment, the infection may spread quickly and affect other people at home.
The area around the mouth and nose is frequently infected, but the hands, arms, or legs may also develop. These areas may cause itching, but they are usually not painful. In some cases, swelling of the lymph nodes may occur or a slight temperature, especially if the infection is widely spread.
Treatment
Treatment depends on the spread of infection. In light cases, it is usually sufficient to use localized antiseptic ointment on the affected areas of the skin. This ointment can reduce the spread of infection and enhance recovery. In more severe cases or when multiple skin areas are injured, the doctor will also prescribe an antibiotic, either in the form of cream or tablets.
It is important to take the medicine regularly according to the instructions, even if the symptoms calm down after only a few days, this is the only way to prevent the spread of infection again or transmit it to others. During treatment, the affected areas should be avoided as much as possible with clean bandages to reduce the risk of infection.
Prevention measures
In principle, infection is not possible in all cases. However, there are simple measures that can significantly reduce the risk of infection are to wash hands well with soap, especially after contacting patients or sharing purposes.
In homes or facilities, which have an injury, towels, facial towels and family covers should not be shared, but change them daily and wash them at a temperature of at least 60 ° C. Infected children should stay at home as much as possible until the risk of infection will go away. Cuting the nails also helps reduce the risk of bacteria spread across scratching areas. In addition, the coverage of the affected areas of the skin is transformed without the spread of infection.