Impetigo Flashcards
What age of children does impetigo normally affect?
2-5 year olds
What is impetigo?
Superficial skin infection
What is the main cause of impetigo?
Staphylococcus aureus
Where does impetigo usually occur?
Where there is a break in the skin
What are the 2 types of impetigo?
Bullous
Non-bullous
Where does non-bullous occur?
Around the nose and the mouth
What type of crust does non-bullous form?
A golden crust
What is bullous impetigo?
Fluid filled vesicles that burst forming golden crust
How does a patient with bullous impetigo present?
Systemically unwell
Painful and itchy
What can happen if the bullous impetigo becomes widespread?
It can cause staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome
What is the main sign of impetigo?
Single golden crusty lesion (Honey coloured plaques)
How is impetigo diagnosed?
Swab vesicle
What is the management of non-bullous impetigo?
Topical Hydrogen peroxide 1% cream
Fusidic acid
What is the management of bullous impetigo?
Oral Flucloxicillin
What are possible complications of impetigo?
- Cellulitis
- Sepsis
- Scarring
What oral medication can be given as an alternative to flucloxicillin?
Erythromycin
Should children with impetigo be excluded from school?
Yes- until the lesions are crusted and healed or 48 hours after commencing antibiotic treatment
For how long does a child with impetigo need to be excluded from school?
Until the lesions are crusted and healed or
48 hours after commencing antibiotic treatment
Is impetigo contagious?
Yes
When is impetigo more common?
During warm weather
How can impetigo occur?
Either as a primary infection or a complication of an existing skin condition such as eczema
Where on the body does impetigo typically affect?
Face
Flexures
Limbs not covered by clothing.
How is impetigo spread?
Direct contact with discharges from the scabs of an infected person.
What is the other less common bacterial cause of impetigo?
Streptococcus pyogenes
