Impetigo Flashcards
What is Impetigo?
Impetigo is a superficial bacterial skin infection usually caused by either Staphylcoccus aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes.
What can cause Impetigo?
It can be a primary infection or a complication of an existing skin condition such as eczema, scabies, or insect bites.
Who is most commonly affected by Impetigo?
Impetigo is common in children, particularly during warm weather.
Where do lesions from Impetigo typically occur?
Lesions tend to occur on the face, flexures, and limbs not covered by clothing.
How is Impetigo spread?
Spread is by direct contact with discharges from the scabs of an infected person.
How do bacteria invade the skin in Impetigo?
The bacteria invade the skin through minor abrasions and then spread to other sites by scratching.
What is the incubation period for Impetigo?
The incubation period is between 4 to 10 days.
What are the features of Impetigo?
‘Golden’, crusted skin lesions typically found around the mouth and it is very contagious.
What is the management for limited, localized Impetigo?
NICE recommends hydrogen peroxide 1% cream for people who are not systemically unwell or at a high risk of complications.
What is the rationale behind the management change for Impetigo?
The change was aimed at cutting antibiotic resistance and evidence shows it is just as effective at treating non-bullous impetigo as a topical antibiotic.
What topical antibiotics can be used for Impetigo?
Topical fusidic acid and topical mupirocin should be used if fusidic acid resistance is suspected.
What should be used if MRSA is suspected in Impetigo?
Topical mupirocin should be used since MRSA is not susceptible to fusidic acid or retapamulin.
What is the management for extensive Impetigo?
Oral flucloxacillin or oral erythromycin if penicillin-allergic.
What are the school exclusion guidelines for children with Impetigo?
Children should be excluded from school until the lesions are crusted and healed or 48 hours after commencing antibiotic treatment.
What is Impetigo?
Impetigo is a superficial bacterial skin infection usually caused by either Staphylcoccus aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes.
What can cause Impetigo?
It can be a primary infection or a complication of an existing skin condition such as eczema, scabies, or insect bites.
Who is most commonly affected by Impetigo?
Impetigo is common in children, particularly during warm weather.
Where do lesions from Impetigo typically occur?
Lesions tend to occur on the face, flexures, and limbs not covered by clothing.
How is Impetigo spread?
Spread is by direct contact with discharges from the scabs of an infected person.
