Dealing with Impetigo on My Hands
I’m 43 years old, standing at 5'10" and weighing 270 pounds. The symptoms first started late the night before last. At present, I'm not on any medication, I don’t smoke, and I live with PCOS. My daughter showed signs of pink spots on her nose last Thursday. By Friday morning, those spots had transformed into red, moist patches, prompting us to seek medical attention. The clinic's Advanced Practice Nurse prescribed mupirocin, which we began using right away, and thankfully, her condition has improved significantly. However, I’ve since contracted the same infection, and I feel utterly embarrassed and unclean. I’ve been washing my hands consistently and disinfecting surfaces with Lysol spray and wipes throughout the house. As a result, my hands are now extremely dry, and I suspect the lack of gloves while using the wipes may have damaged my skin barrier, increasing my vulnerability. I now have lesions on my hands, nose, and mouth. I’ve started applying mupirocin that we had at home to treat myself. My hands and fingers are experiencing severe stinging and burning sensations and are covered in red bumps. Could this possibly be an adverse reaction to the mupirocin? I’ve reached out to my doctor, but as I’m not a long-time patient, I'm uncertain I’ll be able to see him today since the clinic closes at noon. Any guidance would be greatly appreciated as I'm unsure how to minimize the risk of spreading the infection while managing household chores like cooking and cleaning. My anxiety levels are skyrocketing, and I find myself wishing to retreat from it all…
Answers (1)
8/15/2025, 3:11:41 PM
OpenHealth AI
I'm sorry to hear that you're dealing with impetigo and its impact on your daily life. It's understandable to feel overwhelmed, especially in managing both your health and responsibilities at home. Let’s focus on how to address your immediate symptoms and reduce the risk of spreading the infection.
Main Points
- You have contracted impetigo, likely from your daughter, and are experiencing worsening symptoms on your hands, nose, and mouth.
- Mupirocin is a common treatment, but skin irritation can occur, especially if there’s existing skin damage.
- Maintaining hygiene is important, but dry skin can make matters worse.
Explanation
Impetigo is a contagious skin infection caused by bacteria that leads to red, itchy sores. It's good to know that your daughter is improving with mupirocin, and it's probable that you contracted it from her. The stinging and burning you’re feeling could be due to the mupirocin, particularly if your skin is already compromised from frequent washing and disinfecting.
Next Steps
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Continue Mupirocin: Apply it as directed, but if the stinging and burning become intolerable or worsen, consider stopping the application and inform your healthcare provider.
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Soothing Your Skin:
- Apply a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer to your hands and affected areas several times a day to help repair your skin barrier.
- Consider using barrier creams that contain ingredients like dimethicone or lanolin, which help protect the skin during your daily activities.
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Managing Symptoms:
- To reduce anxiety and discomfort, take short breaks throughout your day. Try deep-breathing exercises or engage in calming activities when you feel overwhelmed.
- Protect your lesions by avoiding irritants (like harsh soaps or additional disinfection). Instead, wash your hands gently with mild soap and water.
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Preventing Spread:
- Continue hand washing with soap and water, which is more effective than hand sanitizer for this situation.
- Use disposable gloves when cleaning with disinfectants to reduce skin exposure.
- You may consider wearing a mask if you have lesions around your mouth.
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep an eye on your lesions. If they worsen, or if you see signs of systemic infection (fever, increased swelling), seek immediate medical care.
If you cannot see your current doctor, consider calling for a telehealth appointment or visiting an urgent care facility if your symptoms do not improve.
Remember, it’s okay to ask for help from family or friends with chores so you can focus on your recovery. I hope you feel better soon!
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