Impetigo

Question 1

Antibiotic Therapy For Impetigo in Non-Endemic Settings

Answer 1

Localised - Mupirocin 2%ointment or cream TOP TDS x 5 days
Multiple skin sores or recurrence
- Dicloxacillin 500mg (12.5mg/kg) PO QID x 7 days
- Flucloxacillin 500mg (12.5mg/kg) PO QID x 7 days
Delayed or non-severe penicillin sensitivity or preference for cefalexin in children
- Cefalexin 500mg (12.5mg/kg) PO QID x 7 days
Immediate or severe penicillin sensitivity
- Trimethoprim / Sulfamethoxazole 160/800mg (4/20mg/kg) PO BD x 3 days.
- Option to take OD at double the dose x 5 days

Question 2

Antibiotic Therapy For Impetigo in Endemic Settings

Answer 2

Choice of
- Benzathine Benzylpenicillin IM single dose
- >20kg - 1.2million units (2.3mL)
- <6kg - 0.3million units (0.6mL)
- 6kg - 12kg - 0.45million units (0.9mL)
- Trimethoprim / Sulfamethoxazole 160/800mg (4/20mg/kg) PO BD x 3 days.
- Option to take OD at double the dose x 5 days