Impetigo

Description

Common skin infection. It is highly contagious and usually affects infants and children. The crusty lesions are typically found around the mouth and on the face. The infecting bacteria are mostly of the streptococcal or staphylococcal species. These bacteria can enter normal skin, but more often invade skin affected by cuts, insect bites, or a pre-existing rash. The disorder usually resolves on its own, but treatment with topical or oral antibiotics reduce the complication rate.

Symptoms

Red and oozing rash. Many times the rash has painless blisters that burst causing crusting. The rash is mostly found on the face and around the mouth, but can involve any part of the body.

Tests

A history and physical exam will be performed. Diagnosis is usually made by examining the skin. At times a skin biopsy is performed. A culture of the skin lesion usually grows the bacteria streptococcus or staphylococcus and may be performed to identify methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). This bacteria requires a different antibiotic treatment then is usually prescribed for impetigo.

Treatment

The goal is to cure the infection and prevent recurrence. Treatment consists of good hygiene and antibiotics. Topical antibiotics include mupirocin (Bactroban). Oral antibiotics include cephelexin (Keflex), erthromycin, or dicloxacillin. If MRSA is suspected bacterium or other antibiotics may be utilized.

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