Impetigo

Impetigo is a superficial skin infection most common among children age 2-6 years (rare among people not in this age group).

Contents
1 Causes
2 Transmission
3 Signs and Symptoms
4 Diagnosis
5 Treatment  
 

Causes
Skin infections are usually caused by different streptococci strains than those that cause strep throat. It can also be caused by Staphylococcus infection.

Scratching may spread the lesions.

Transmission
The infection is spread by direct contact with lesions or with nasal carriers. The incubation period is 1-3 days. Dried streptococci in the air are not infectious to intact skin.

Signs and Symptoms
One or more pimple-like lesions surrounded by reddened skin. Lesions fill with pus, then break down over 4-6 days and form a thick crust. Impetigo is often associated with insect bites, cuts, and other forms of trauma to the skin. Itching is common.

Diagnosis
The diagnosis is made based on the typical appearance of the skin lesion.

Treatment
Topical or oral antibiotics are usually prescribed.