Impetigo Flashcards
1
Q
Cause of impetigo
A
- superficial bacterial skin infection usually
- Staphylcoccus aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes
2
Q
What areas of the body are normally affected in impetigo?
A
- face
- flexures
- limbs not covered by clothing.
3
Q
How does impetigo spread?
A
- direct contact with discharges from the scabs of an infected person
- spread by scratching
- also indirect spread via toys/ clothing
4
Q
Incubation period of impetigo?
A
4 to 10 days.
5
Q
Features of impetigo
A
- ‘golden’, crusted skin lesions
- typically found around the mouth
6
Q
Management of impetigo
A
- hydrogen peroxide 1% cream for ‘people who are not systemically unwell
topical antibiotic creams:
- fusidic acid
- mupirocin (if fusidic acid resistance is suspected)
Extensive disease:
- oral flucloxacillin
- oral erythromycin if penicillin-allergic
7
Q
How long should children be off school if they have impetigo?
A
- until the lesions are crusted and healed
- or 48 hours after commencing antibiotic treatment
