Bacterial Impetigo Flashcards
What is it?
A bacterial skin infection
What causes it?
Staphylococcus Aureus
Why does the infection happen?
It is generally a secondary infection of a wound or other skin condition such as eczema
What is Ecthyma?
Ulcerated impetigo
What is Non-bullous impetigo?
Impetigo caused by Streptococcus Pyogenes
What happens histopathologically in s.aureus infection?
Toxins from the S.Aureus bacteria affect Desmoglein 1 proteins which causes cleaving of the superficial epidermis at the granular layer
Is it common?
Common in children, and also in adults with immunosuppression
What are some predisposing factors? (4)
Atopic eczema, scabies, skin trauma, immunosuppression
Signs and Symptoms (8)
Can affect anywhere but is generally face and hands, single or multiple, irregular crops of irritable superficial plaques, honey coloured crust, form annular lesions as they heal, lymphadenopathy, fever, malaise
What is seen in non-bullous impetigo?
Vesicles and pustules with a crust
What is seen in bullous impetigo?
Small vesicles that transform into flaccid transparent bullae
How does ecthyma present?
Presents as non-bullous but evolves into a necrotising punched out ulcer
What is a severe complication of impetigo?
Staphylococcal Scalded Skin Syndrome
Investigations
Usually a clinical diagnosis but can be confirmed using bacterial swabs and cultures
What is the treatment? (6)
Moist soaks to remove crusts, antibiotic ointment e.g fusidic acid, cover area to reduce transmission, oral flucloxacillin, use separate towels and flannels, antibacterial soaps
