Impetigo
Pathogenesis
incidence/prevalence
Risk Factors
β-hemolytic streptococci
Staphylococcus aureus
Anyone is at risk
More common in areas of hot, humid weather
Most common in children 2 to 5 years old
More common in the summer
Mild winters (subtropics) or wet and dry seasons (tropics)
People with scabies infection are at greater risk
People participating in activities where cuts or scrapes are common are at risk
Contact sports players
Close contact with another person with impetigo is the most common risk factor
Family member who has it
Crowded situations including schools and daycare centers
The bacteria can then spread to others if someone touches those sores
The group A strep infects the skin and then causes sores
The overgrowth of this bacteria causes skin diseases and bacteria that are normally found on the surface of the skin can then become a disease.
Normal skin is colonized by large numbers of bacteria that live as commensals in its surface or in hair follicles
impetigo makes up 10% of skin issues seen in children
This is the most common bacterial skin infection
impetigo is the third most common skin disease among children
Citations
Pereira L. B. (2014). Impetigo - review. Anais brasileiros de dermatologia, 89(2), 293–299. https://doi.org/10.1590/abd1806-4841.20142283
Impetigo: All you need to know. (2020, May 29). Retrieved April 10, 2021, from https://www.cdc.gov/groupastrep/diseases-public/impetigo.html
Diagnostics
Clinical Manifestations
Treatments
Dermatologist is able to make a diagnosis by the look of the skin
If the dermatologist thinks that the infection could be widespread, a blood test may be needed
Lab tests may be needed for diagnosis or for information involving treatment
Dermatologist takes a sample from the blister and finds out what kind of bacteria is causing the infection
Red sores clustered around the nose and mouth
Sores can rupture and ooze for several days
Face, arms and legs are infected
Can start as a minor cut, insect bite, or a rash from eczema
Sores can grow into blisters, ooze and burst, then form a yellow crust
Sores can be itchy and painful
Antibiotics are effective for treating impetigo
Which antibiotic you are prescribed depends on how widespread or severe the blisters are
If the impetigo is only on a small area of the skin then topical antibiotics is the best treatment. (Mupriocin cream or ointment (Bactroban or Centany) and retapamulin ointment)
If the impetigo is severe or widespread, the doctor can prescribe oral antibiotics such as amoxicillin/clavulante (Augmentin), cephalosporins or clindamycin
Oral antibiotics can cause more effects than topical antibiotics including nausea.
With treatment usually the infection heals within 7 to 10 days.
Skin looks red and crusty
111 million children from developing countries have contracted impetigo