flashcards_impetigo
What should be reassured to patients about the healing process of impetigo?
Impetigo usually heals without any scarring and takes 2-3 weeks.
What hygiene measures are important for managing impetigo?
Wash areas with soapy water, wash hands after touching lesions, avoid scratching affected areas and keep nails short, avoid sharing towels/bathwater, etc.
When should children with impetigo avoid school?
Children should avoid school until the lesions are dry and scabbed over.
What is the antibiotic therapy for localized non-bullous impetigo?
Hydrogen peroxide 1% cream or, if unsuitable, 5 days of topical fusidic acid 2% or mupirocin 2%.
What is the antibiotic therapy for widespread non-bullous impetigo?
Topical fusidic acid 2% or mupirocin 2%, and oral flucloxacillin (or clarithromycin if penicillin allergic).
What is the management for bullous impetigo or children who are systemically unwell or at high risk of complications?
Oral flucloxacillin (or clarithromycin if penicillin allergic).
What preventive measure may be given for recurrences of impetigo?
Intranasal mupirocin topical 2%.
What should be done if MRSA is suspected in a patient with impetigo?
Consult local microbiological guidelines.
What steps should be taken if there is no improvement in impetigo after 7 days of treatment?
Review diagnosis, check compliance with treatment and hygiene measures, take a swab (and check for MRSA), and consider PO antibiotics if fusidic acid was initially used.
