Impetigo

Question 1

Impetigo

Answer 1

Superficial bacterial skin infection
Caused by staph aureus or strep pyogenes
Most common in children

Question 2

Impetigo transmission

Answer 2

• spread via direct contact with discharge from scabs of infected person
• bacteria invade through minor abrasions and spread to other sites by scratching
• incubation period 4-10 days

Question 3

Features of impetigo

Answer 3

• ‘golden’ crusted skin lesions around mouth
• very contagious

Question 4

Management of localised impetigo

Answer 4

• hydrogen peroxide 1% cream
• topical antibiotic creams (fusidic acid)

Question 5

Management of extensive impetigo

Answer 5

• oral flucloxacillin
• oral erythromycin (pen allergy)

Question 6

School exclusion criteria for impetigo

Answer 6

Excluded from school until lesions are crusted and healed OR 48hrs after commencing antibiotic treatment