2. DEFINITION :
Impetigo is a contagious superficial infection caused
by the staphylococcus and streptococcus bacteria.
It is more common in children (2-5 years) as compared
to adults .
It is most likely to occur in warm and humid
enviornments and is most commonly spread by close
contact (such as between family members )or by
sharing towels , sheets , clothing etc .Scratching can
also spread the sores to the other parts of the body .
3. It causes red sores that can break open , ooze fluid and
develop a yellow brown crust .These sores can occur
anywhere on the body .
Bacteria may enter through a break in the skin , such
as that which comes from cuts and scrapes . A
common child may experience development of lesions
at the nasal openings inflammed by prominent nasal
drainage associated with cold .
Skin integrity is often distrupted by continuous
covering of purulent nasal discharge .
5. Non bullous impetigo
It’s the more common form caused by both
staphylococcus and streptococcus bacteria .
This form initially manifests as small red papules
similar to insect bites.
These lesions rapidly evolve to small blisters and then
to papules and finally scab over with a characteristic
honey coloured crust .
The entire process usually takes place about in a time
span of one week .
Lesions often start around the nose and on the face .
6. Non bullous impetigo
Less frequently arms and legs are affected .
There may be non tender but swollen lymph nodes .
7. Bullous impetigo
This form is caused by only staphyloccous bacteria .
These bacteria produce a toxin that reduces cell to cell
stickiness cadhesion , causing seperation between the
top skin layer (epidermis)and lower layer (dermis).
This leads to the formation of blister which can appear
especially can appear especially on buttock and trunk.
These blisters are fragile and contain a clear yellow
coloured fluid .
The blisters are delicate and often break with overlying
roof of skin lost , leaving red raw skin with a ragged
edge .
9. DIAGNOSIS
Generally imetigo is diagnosed by looking at the
distinctive sores.
Sometimes culture test are done rarely to identify the
type of bacteria causing lesions .
A complete blood count is often performed because
leukocytosis is common.
10. Signs and symptoms
Severe itching is common and scratching of of the
lesions may further spread the infection.
Weakness , fever and diarrohea sometimes are seen
with bullous impetigo .
11. Prevention
Routine hand wash with soap and warm water
Try to avoid contact with the person who is infected
untill his infection has subsided.
Donot share towels sheets or clothes .
Avoid screatching
13. Treatment
Mild cases can be handled by gentle cleansing
removing crusts and applying the prescription-
strength antibiotic ointment mupirocin
Non prescription topical antibiotic ointments such as
neosprin generally are non effective .
More severe bullous impetigo may require oral
antibiotic medication –penicillin derivatives such as
amoxycillin and cephlaosporin.
