IMPETIGO

 

INTRODUCTION:  Impetigo is a superficial infection of the skin caused by staphylococci, streptococci, or multiple bacteria. Exposed areas of the body, face, hands, neck, and extremities are most frequently involved. Impetigo is contagious and may spread to other parts of the skin or to other members of the family who touch the patient or who use towels or combs that are soiled with the exudate of the lesion. Impetigo is seen in people of all ages. It is particularly common among children living in poor hygienic conditions. Chronic health problems, poor hygiene, and malnutrition may predispose adults to impetigo.

CLINICAL MANIFESTATIONS: Lesions begin as small, red macules that become discrete, thin-walled vesicles that rupture and become covered with a honey-yellow crust. These crusts, when removed, reveal smooth, red, moist surfaces on which new crusts develop. If the scalp is involved, the hair is matted, distinguishing the condition from ringworm.  Bullous impetigo, a deep-seated infection of the skin caused by Staphylococcus aureus, is characterized by the formation of bullae from original vesicles. The bullae rupture, leaving a raw, red area.

MEDICAL MANAGEMENT:  Pharmacologic Therapy: Systemic antibiotic therapy is the usual treatment for impetigo. It reduces contagious spread, treats deep infection, and prevents acute glomerulonephritis (kidney infection). Agents for nonbullous impetigo: benzathine penicillin, oral penicillin, or erythromycin. Topical antibacterial therapy is the usual treatment for disease that is limited to a small area. The topical preparation is applied to lesions several times daily for 1 week. Lesions are soaked or washed with soap solution to remove central site of bacterial growth and to give the topical antibiotic an opportunity to reach the infected site.

RELATED;

1.  STREPTOCOCCUS

2.  STAPHYLOCOCCUS

3.  SEBORRHEIC DERMATITIS

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