Impetigo

At a Glance

Impetigo is a contagious bacterial skin infection primarily caused by Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes.

After lesions that appear like red spots or acne form, they fill with pus and burst, forming thick crusts; this is common on the face, arms, and legs.

How the disease works

It can occur when bacteria enter damaged areas of the skin, such as wounds, scratches, or insect bites, and can be transmitted through contact with the lesions or nasal discharge of an infected person.

Bacteria penetrate the skin barrier to create localized inflammation and pus, and scratching the lesions can cause the bacteria to spread to surrounding skin.

Variations in presentation among individuals

While common in children aged 2–6 years, the risk can vary depending on individual exposure and skin condition, such as damage to the skin barrier or close contact with an infected person.

The broad framework of diagnosis and management

The lesions are usually itchy and burst to form crusts after a few days, and scratching due to the itchiness can increase the number of lesions or cause them to spread to other areas.

Diagnosis is primarily based on a clinical evaluation that comprehensively considers the shape and distribution of the lesions, the course of onset, and the presence of contact or skin damage; additional tests may be considered in atypical or recurrent cases.

Current status of treatment

Other bacterial skin infections, dermatitis, and fungal infections can also appear similar, so the cause and severity should not be determined solely based on the appearance of the lesions.

The core of management is antibiotic treatment prescribed by medical professionals and hygiene measures to reduce transmission and autoinoculation; it is important to avoid scratching the lesions and to wash hands frequently.

Impetigo can be treated with antibiotics, but the choice of medication and whether to use topical or systemic treatment depends on the extent of the lesions and the patient's condition.

How to read clinical trials

In follow-up, it is necessary to check for the spread or improvement of lesions and the presence of new systemic symptoms; the mere existence of registered studies or reviews in the literature does not imply treatment efficacy, approval, or standard of care.

Points to verify during clinical consultations

In clinical practice, one can confirm the onset of lesions and their pattern of spread, the presence of itching, pain, or fever, skin damage and contact history, pre-existing conditions, allergies, current medications, and responses to previous treatments.