What is IMPETIGO?
- Impetigo is topical infection of the skin caused by bacteria.
- The most common sites of involvement are the face (particularly around the nose and mouth) and the legs, although lesions may occur in other locations.
- Impetigo occurs most commonly in children.
- Impetigo may spread easily through close contact, especially among siblings, daycare centers, and schools.
- Crowding, poor hygiene, contact sports, and neglected minor skin trauma all contribute to spread.
- Impetigo tends to occur during warmer months and is more common in semitropical or tropical climates than in cooler regions.
- Impetigo occurs in two classic forms: nonbullous and bullous
- The nonbullous form is more common, accounting for approximately 70% of cases

Causes of IMPETIGO
- Impetigo is caused by bacteria. (Group A streptococci and occasionally by other streptococci or by Staphylococcus aureus)
- Minor trauma may serve to inoculate organisms into the skin. Studies have shown that colonization of unbroken skin is uncommon. Chicken pox, abrasions, lacerations and burns are common predisposing factors.

Symptoms of IMPETIGO
- The lesions caused by impetigo are generally not painful and systemic signs of infection are not present.
- Impetigo manifests initially as small, fluid-filled vesicles. These lesions then rapidly develop into pus-filled blisters that readily rupture. The discharge of these lesions dry to form the characteristic golden-yellow "honey-like" crusts of impetigo.
- Itching is common and scratching of the lesions may further spread infection.

Treatment of IMPETIGO
- The goal of therapy is aimed at rapid irradiation of the infection.
- Removal of crusts by soaking in soap and warm water is helpful in symptomatic relief.
- Prescription antibiotics active against suspected or isolated pathogens for 7-10 days is the curative treatment.
- Topical therapy has been shown effective in localized disease, but disseminated infections may require oral antibiotics. (prescription only)

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This information is of a general nature and may not apply to your special circumstances. If you have specific questions, please contact your physician or an appropriate health care professional.  These monographs are counseling aids for healthcare professionals only and are not to be used as a reference to diagnose or treat medical conditions.          Copyright 2005 RXinsider LTD