Impetigo

Descriptive text is not available for this imageBASICS

DESCRIPTION

  • Impetigo is a superficial skin infection seen frequently in children.
    • It is one of the most common skin and soft tissue infections observed in pediatrics.
    • Pyoderma and impetigo contagiosa are synonyms for impetigo.
  • Classification
    • Primary impetigo: direct bacterial invasion of previously normal skin
    • Secondary impetigo: infection at sites of minor skin trauma or underlying conditions
  • Types of impetigo
    • Nonbullous impetigo (>70% of cases)
    • Bullous impetigo
    • Ecthyma

EPIDEMIOLOGY

  • Location: most frequently in tropical or subtropical regions but also prevalent in northern climates during summer months
  • Age: found most commonly in children aged 2 to 5 years and can spread rapidly through child care centers and schools

ETIOLOGY

  • Staphylococcus aureus: most common etiologic agent; toxin-producing strains cause cleavage in superficial skin layer.
  • Impetigo due to community-associated methicillin-resistant S. aureus (CA-MRSA) has occurred in a minority of cases.
  • β-Hemolytic streptococci (primarily group A but serogroups C and G have been implicated in some cases)

RISK FACTORS

  • Poverty, overcrowding
  • Poor hygiene
  • Underlying scabies infection
  • Eczema

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