A superficial infection of the skin common in children, usually due to Staphylococcus aureus. Infection affects the face, hands, and knees, and is characterized by reddened areas followed by transient blisters which break and then develop crusts.
ImpetigoClassifications and external resources
| ICD-10 | L01 |
|---|---|
| ICD-9 | 684 |
Impetigo is a superficial skin infection most common among children age 2–6 years (rare among people not in this age group).
Causes
Impetigo is usually caused by the same streptococci strains as those that cause strep throat.
Transmission
The infection is spread by direct contact with lesions or with nasal carriers.
Signs and Symptoms
One or more pimple-like lesions surrounded by reddened skin.
People who suffer from cold sores have shown higher chances of suffering from impetigo.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis is made based on the typical appearance of the skin lesion.
Treatment
Topical or oral antibiotics are usually prescribed.
Treatment may involve washing with soap and water and letting the impetigo dry in the air.
Many general practitioners choose to treat impetigo with bactericidal ointment, such as fusidic acid (Fucidin) or mupirocin (Bactroban), but in more severe cases oral antibiotics, such as flucloxacillin (e.g.
It is important to dissolve the scabs with ointment because the bacteria that cause the disease live underneath them.
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