Impetigo is a common skin infection.
Causes, incidence, and risk factorsImpetigo is caused by streptococcus (strep) or staphylococcus (staph) bacteria. Methicillin-resistant staph aureus (MRSA) is becoming a common cause.
The skin normally has many types of bacteria on it, but intact skin is an effective barrier that keeps bacteria from entering and growing in the body. When there is a break in the skin, bacteria can enter the body and grow there, causing inflammation and infection. Breaks in the skin may occur with:
Impetigo may also occur on skin where there is no visible break.
It is most common in children, particularly those in unhealthy living conditions.
In adults, it may follow other skin disorders or a recent upper respiratory infection such as a cold or other virus. It is similar to cellulitis, but it only involves the top layers of the skin.
Impetigo is contagious. The infection is carried in the fluid that oozes from the blisters.
SymptomsDiagnosis is based mainly on the appearance of the skin lesion.
A culture of the skin or lesion usually grows the bacteria streptococcus or staphylococcus. The culture can help determine if MRSA is the cause, because specific antibiotics are used to treat this infection.
TreatmentThe goal is to cure the infection and relieve the symptoms.
A mild infection may be treated with a prescription antibacterial cream. More severe cases may require antibiotics, taken by mouth.
Wash the skin several times a day, preferably with an antibacterial soap, to remove crusts and drainage.
Expectations (prognosis)The sores of impetigo heal slowly and seldom scar. The cure rate is extremely high, but the condition often comes back in young children.
ComplicationsCall for an appointment with your health care provider if you have symptoms of impetigo.
PreventionPrevent the spread of infection.
Good general health and hygiene help to prevent infection. Thoroughly clean minor cuts and scrapes with soap and clean water. You can also use a mild antibacterial soap.
Impetigo is contagious, so avoid touching the draining (oozing) lesions.
ReferencesCole C, Gazewood J. Diagnosis and treatment of impetigo. Am Fam Physician. 2007;75:859:864.
Impetigo is a common skin infection.
Causes, incidence, and risk factorsImpetigo is caused by streptococcus (strep) or staphylococcus (staph) bacteria. Methicillin-resistant staph aureus (MRSA) is becoming a common cause.
The skin normally has many types of bacteria on it, but intact skin is an effective barrier that keeps bacteria from entering and growing in the body. When there is a break in the skin, bacteria can enter the body and grow there, causing inflammation and infection. Breaks in the skin may occur with:
Impetigo may also occur on skin where there is no visible break.
It is most common in children, particularly those in unhealthy living conditions.
In adults, it may follow other skin disorders or a recent upper respiratory infection such as a cold or other virus. It is similar to cellulitis, but it only involves the top layers of the skin.
Impetigo is contagious, meaning it can spread to others. You can catch this infection if the fluid that oozes from the blisters touches an open area on your skin.
SymptomsDiagnosis is based mainly on the appearance of the skin lesion.
A culture of the skin or lesion usually grows the bacteria streptococcus or staphylococcus. The culture can help determine if MRSA is the cause, because specific antibiotics are used to treat this infection.
TreatmentThe goal is to cure the infection and relieve the symptoms.
A mild infection may be treated with a prescription antibacterial cream. More severe cases may require antibiotics, taken by mouth.
Wash (do not scrub) the skin several times a day, preferably with an antibacterial soap, to remove crusts and drainage.
Expectations (prognosis)The sores of impetigo heal slowly and seldom scar. The cure rate is extremely high, but the condition often comes back in young children.
ComplicationsCall for an appointment with your health care provider if you have symptoms of impetigo.
PreventionPrevent the spread of infection.
Good general health and hygiene help to prevent infection. Thoroughly clean minor cuts and scrapes with soap and clean water. You can also use a mild antibacterial soap.
Impetigo is contagious, so avoid touching the draining (oozing) lesions.
ReferencesHabif TP. Bacterial infections. In: Habif TP, ed. Clinical Dermatology. 5th ed. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby Elsevier; 2009:chap 9.
Pasternack MS, Swartz MN. Cellulitis, necrotizing fasciitis, and subcutaneous tissue infections. In: Mandell GL, Bennett JE, Dolin R, eds. Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 7th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Elsevier Churchill Livingstone; 2009:chap 90.
Reviewed ByReview Date: 10/05/2010
Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington, School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
when was Impetigo discovered
Impetigo :)
Yes, impetigo is spreadable.
Have no fear, Impetigo is here!! Retapamulin is a common impetigo drug.
"Rule out impetigo" means make sure it's not impetigo, a bacterial infection of the skin.
Impetigo? - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Impetigo
Presently, there is no vaccine for Impetigo.
Impetigo - 1983 was released on: USA: 1983
Impetigo is a bacterial disease often found in children that causes yellow sores. Impetigo comes from the Latin impeteremeaning "to attack".
Impetigo is a bacterial infection that does not have the ability to be tranmitted from cats to humans. A person suffering from impetigo should visit their doctor for immediate treatment.
The ICD-9-CM code for Impetigo is 684.
The ICD-9 code for mild impetigo is 684.