Impetigo

Impetigo is a contagious <a href="/facts/Bacterial_infection/X5QcVN5j">bacterial infection</a> that involves the superficial <a href="/facts/Human_skin/cfRXQwSs">skin</a>. The most common presentation is yellowish crusts on the face, arms, or legs. Less commonly there may be <a href="/facts/Bullous/Vkr5XpeG">large blisters</a> which affect the <a href="/facts/Groin/49jqnbc3">groin</a> or <a href="/facts/Armpits/Q0EaYG2p">armpits</a>. The lesions may be painful or itchy. <a href="/facts/Fever/waVxR2Ac">Fever</a> is uncommon.
It is typically due to either <a href="/facts/Staphylococcus_aureus/9yDVBMsc">Staphylococcus aureus</a> or <a href="/facts/Streptococcus_pyogenes/qrkSpDz1">Streptococcus pyogenes</a>. Risk factors include attending <a href="/facts/Day_care/ILBlaVb0">day care</a>, crowding, <a href="/facts/Malnutrition/KasQy5MR">poor nutrition</a>, <a href="/facts/Diabetes_mellitus/2xeHXbsI">diabetes mellitus</a>, <a href="/facts/Contact_sport/EGyECszC">contact sports</a>, and breaks in the skin such as from <a href="/facts/Mosquito_bite/u8hTMTfc">mosquito bites</a>, <a href="/facts/Eczema/JwlyQBa2">eczema</a>, <a href="/facts/Scabies/QCPVVhQ0">scabies</a>, or <a href="/facts/Herpes/8AQktlTV">herpes</a>. With contact it can spread around or between people. Diagnosis is typically based on the symptoms and appearance.
Prevention is by <a href="/facts/Hand_washing/BTgUfoRo">hand washing</a>, avoiding people who are infected, and cleaning injuries. Treatment is typically with <a href="/facts/Antibiotic/sF1kIfxg">antibiotic</a> creams such as <a href="/facts/Mupirocin/6NUJQups">mupirocin</a> or <a href="/facts/Fusidic_acid/6fht8IQt">fusidic acid</a>. Antibiotics by mouth, such as <a href="/facts/Cefalexin/tvNVbljy">cefalexin</a>, may be used if large areas are affected. <a href="/facts/Antibiotic_resistance/jsbAywgx">Antibiotic-resistant</a> forms have been found. Healing generally occurs without scarring.
Impetigo affected about 140 million people (2% of the world population) in 2010. It can occur at any age, but is most common in young children aged two to five. In some places the condition is also known as "school sores". Without treatment people typically get better within three weeks. Recurring infections can occur due to <a href="/facts/Colonisation_(biology)/ySl8Qvan">colonization</a> of the nose by the bacteria. Complications may include <a href="/facts/Cellulitis/hCIm7nzQ">cellulitis</a> or <a href="/facts/Poststreptococcal_glomerulonephritis/Vv3epgqz">poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis</a>. The name is from the <a href="/facts/Latin/pM3Kge85">Latin</a> impetere meaning "attack".

Impetigo open-in-new

Impetigo