impetigo

Question 1

Impetigo is a superficial bacterial skin usually caused by

Answer 1

Staphylcoccus aureus

or Streptococcus pyogenes

primary infection or a complication of an existing skin condition such as eczema (in this case), scabies or insect bites.

common in children, particularly during warm weather.

Question 2

infection can develop anywhere on the body but lesions tend to occur on?

Answer 2

face, flexures and limbs not covered by clothing.

Question 3

how is it spread ?

Answer 3

direct contact with discharges from the scabs of an infected person

invade the skin through minor abrasions and then spread to other sites by scratching

Question 4

features impetigo?

Answer 4

‘golden’, crusted skin lesions typically found around the mouth

very contagious

Question 5

Mx impetigo

Answer 5

hydrogen peroxide 1% cream
= who are not systemically unwell or at a high risk of complications

topical antibiotic creams:
topical fusidic acid

topical mupirocin should be used if fusidic acid resistance is suspected

MRSA is not susceptible to either fusidic acid or retapamulin. Topical mupirocin should, therefore, be used in this situation

Question 6

Mx extensive disease ?

Answer 6

oral flucloxacillin
oral erythromycin if penicillin-allergic