Impetigo

Question 1

What are the most common causes of impetigo?

Answer 1

• Staphylococcus aureus –> 80% of cases

- Streptococcus pyogenes

Question 2

What are the clinical features of impetigo?

Answer 2

• Golden, crusted skin lesions typically found around the mouth
• Very contagious

Question 3

What is the treatment for limited, localised impetigo?

Answer 3

• Hydrogen peroxide 1% cream for those who are not systemically unwell, or at high risk of complications
• Topical abx creams (topical fusidic acid, topical mupirocin)

Question 4

What is the treatment for extensive impetigo?

Answer 4

• Oral flucloxacillin or erythromycin

Question 5

What is the school exclusion recommendation for impetigo?

Answer 5

Children should be excluded from school until the lesions are crusted and healed or 48h after commencing abx