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Impetigo is a superficial skin infection most common among children age 2-6 years (rare among people not in this age group). The infection is prone to people who play close contact sports such as football and wrestling, regardless of age. The name derives from L impetere assail. It is also known as school sores.
Causes
Impetigo is usually caused by the same streptococci strains as 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.
People who suffer from cold sores have shown higher chances of suffering from impetigo. Those who normally suffer from cold sores should consult a doctor if normal treatment has no effect.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis is made based on the typical appearance of the skin lesion.
Treatment
Topical or oral antibiotics are usually prescribed.
Treatment may involve washing with soap and water and letting the impetigo dry in the air.
Many general practitioners choose to treat impetigo with bactericidal ointment, such as fusidic acid (Fucidin) or mupirocin (Bactroban), but in more severe cases oral antibiotics, such as flucloxacillin (eg Floxapen) or erythromycin (eg Erythrocin) are necessary.
It is important to dissolve the scabs with ointment because the bacteria that cause the disease live underneath them.
See also
External links
"Impetigo"