What is Impetigo?
Impetigo is the most common bacterial skin infection in children between the ages of 2 and 5. There are two main types: non-bullous (70% of cases) and bullous (30% of cases). Non-bullous impetigo or infectious impetigo is caused by Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes and is characterized by honey-coloured crusts on the face and extremities. Impetigo primarily affects the skin or it may be secondary to insect bites, eczema, or herpes lesions. Bullous impetigo, only caused by S. Staphylococcus aureus produces large, loose blisters and is more likely to involve the abraded area. These two types usually subside within two to three weeks without leaving a scar. Complications are rare, the most serious is glomerulonephritis after streptococcal infection.
In the United States, more than 11 million skin and soft tissue infections are caused by Staphylococcus aureus each year. Impetigo is the most common skin infection in children between the ages of 2 and 5, but it can affect people of any age. One third of skin and soft tissue infections in returning passengers can be attributed to impetigo, usually secondary to the bite of an infected mosquito. Many bacteria inhabit healthy skin; some types, such as S. Suppurative and Staphylococcus aureus intermittently colonize the nose, axilla, pharynx, or perineum area. These bacteria can cause susceptible skin infections. Other factors prone to impetigo are skin trauma, hot and humid climate, poor sanitation, crowded places, malnutrition and diabetes or other comorbidities. Autologous vaccination via fingers, towels, or clothing usually results in satellite lesions in the adjacent area. The highly contagious nature of impetigo also allows patients to spread to their close contacts. Although impetigo is considered a self-limiting infection, antibiotic treatment is usually started to cure faster and prevent spread to others. This helps to reduce absenteeism from working days. Hygiene habits, such as cleaning minor injuries with soap and water, washing hands, bathing regularly, and avoiding contact with infected children can help prevent infection.
Impetigo is a bacterial skin infection, most commonly seen in young children.