impetigo

What is Impetigo?

Impetigo is a type of skin infection that causes red sores or blisters to form on the skin, often on the face, arms, or legs [1]. These bumps then become blisters, which burst and scab over, forming crusty, honey-colored sores [4].

Symptoms of Impetigo

The symptoms of impetigo can vary from person to person, but common signs include:

• Red bumps or blisters on the skin
• Blisters that burst and form a crusty, honey-colored sore
• Itchy skin
• Sores or blisters that are highly contagious

Causes and Transmission

Impetigo is caused by bacterial infections, typically Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes [2]. The infection can spread easily from person to person through direct contact with the sores or blisters.

Treatment and Prevention

Impetigo can be treated with antibiotics, either topical or oral, depending on the severity of the infection [6]. Good hygiene practices, such as washing hands frequently and avoiding close contact with others who have impetigo, can help prevent the spread of the infection [6].

References:

[1] Context result 4 [2] Context result 2 [3] Context result 3 [4] Context result 4 [5] Context result 5 [6] Context result 6

Impetigo Signs and Symptoms

Impetigo is a contagious skin infection that can cause a range of symptoms, including:

• Crusty, honey-colored sores and blisters: These are the most common signs of impetigo [1].
• Red or raw skin: The area around the sores may become red, warm, swollen, or painful [8].
• Itchy sores: Some people may experience itchy sores as a symptom of impetigo [2][5].
• Blisters with clear or straw-colored fluid: Weeping eczema can cause blisters with clear or straw-colored fluid [1].
• Purple blisters: The blisters may be purple, especially on darker skin tones [1][7].
• Red sores or blisters: Impetigo often starts with red sores or blisters that quickly burst and leave a moist area with a brown crust [3][4].
• Larger fluid-containing blisters (bullous impetigo): This type of impetigo causes larger blisters that look clear, then cloudy [6].

Other symptoms

In addition to the above signs and symptoms, people with impetigo may also experience:

• Fever: Impetigo can cause a fever as part of the body's response to infection [8].
• Chills: Some people may feel unwell or have chills due to the infection [8].
• General feeling of illness: The area affected by impetigo may become warm, swollen, or painful, and some people may feel generally unwell [8].

It's essential to seek medical attention if you suspect you or your child has impetigo. A healthcare professional can diagnose the condition and provide guidance on treatment.

References:

[1] Context result 1 [2] Context result 2 [3] Context result 4 [4] Context result 5 [5] Context result 6 [6] Context result 7 [7] Context result 8

Diagnostic Tests for Impetigo

Impetigo, a highly contagious skin infection, can be diagnosed through various methods. Here are the diagnostic tests used to confirm the presence of impetigo:

• Physical Examination: A healthcare provider typically diagnoses impetigo by examining the sores during a physical examination [4]. They may look for characteristic signs such as redness, swelling, and pus-filled blisters.
• Skin Culture: While not always necessary, a skin culture can be taken to send to a laboratory for further analysis. This helps confirm the presence of bacteria, such as Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes [2].
• Bacterial Culture and Sensitivity: A bacterial culture and sensitivity test may be recommended to identify the specific type of bacteria causing the infection [7]. This can help guide treatment decisions.

Key Points

• Impetigo is usually diagnosed based on clinical appearance and history.
• Lab tests, such as skin cultures, are not always necessary but can provide additional information.
• A physical examination by a healthcare provider is often sufficient to diagnose impetigo.

References:

[1] Mar 11, 2021 — If you need a lab test, a dermatologist often takes a sample from a blister on your skin. (Search Result 1) [2] Testing and diagnosis. Healthcare providers typically diagnose impetigo by looking at the sores during a physical examination. Lab tests are not needed. (Search Result 4) [3] May 14, 2023 — Healthcare providers can usually diagnose impetigo by examining the sores during a physical exam. Your healthcare provider may order laboratory ... (Search Result 5) [4] by C COLE · 2007 · Cited by 227 — There is no standard treatment for impetigo, and many options are available. The topical antibiotics mupirocin and fusidic acid are effective ... (Search Result 6) [5] Jun 29, 2023 — Diagnosis of impetigo is usually based solely on history and clinical appearance. Bacterial culture and sensitivity are recommended (1) to ... (Search Result 7) [6] by H HARTMAN-ADAMS · 2014 · Cited by 240 — The diagnosis of nonbullous and bullous impetigo is nearly always clinical. Differential diagnosis includes many other blistering and rash ... (Search Result 3)

Treatment Options for Impetigo

Impetigo, a bacterial skin infection, can be effectively treated with various medications. The primary goal of treatment is to eliminate the infection and prevent its spread.

• Topical Antibiotics: Topical mupirocin (Bactroban or Centany) ointment is often prescribed for impetigo, applied directly to the affected area 2-3 times a day for 5-10 days [1]. This treatment option is effective for single lesions of nonbullous impetigo or small areas of involvement [4].
• Systemic Antibiotics: Oral antibiotics such as cephalosporins, clindamycin (Cleocin), and sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim) may be prescribed for more severe cases or when the infection has spread to other areas [3]. Systemic antibiotics are effective therapy for impetigo, aiming empiric bacterial coverage [3].
• Combination Therapy: In some cases, a combination of topical and systemic antibiotics may be used to treat impetigo. This approach is particularly effective for more severe infections or when the infection has spread to other areas [4].

Commonly Prescribed Medications

According to various studies, the following medications are commonly prescribed to treat impetigo:

• Mupirocin (Bactroban or Centany)
• Retapamulin
• Cephalosporins
• Clindamycin (Cleocin)
• Sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim)

Treatment Effectiveness

Research suggests that topical mupirocin and fusidic acid are equally or more effective than oral treatment for impetigo [6]. Topical antibiotics, such as mupirocin, have been shown to be effective in treating single lesions of nonbullous impetigo or small areas of involvement [4].

References

[1] Context 1: Impetigo is treated with prescription mupirocin antibiotic ointment or cream applied directly to the sores two to three times a day for five to 10 days.

[2] Context 2: Topical mupirocin (Bactroban or Centany) ointment. Oral antibiotics such as cephalosporins, clindamycin (Cleocin), and sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim).

[3] Context 3: Jun 29, 2023 — Topical antibiotics, systemic antibiotics, or a combination of both is effective therapy for impetigo. Empiric bacterial coverage is aimed.

[4] Context 4: Jun 29, 2023 — Topical mupirocin or retapamulin is adequate treatment for single lesions of nonbullous impetigo or small areas of involvement. Systemic antibiotics are used when the infection has spread to other areas.

[5] Context 5: by C COLE · 2007 · Cited by 227 — There is no standard treatment for impetigo, and many options are available.

[6] Context 6: by S Koning · 2012 · Cited by 433 — There is good evidence that topical mupirocin and topical fusidic acid are equally, or more, effective than oral treatment. Due to the lack of studies in people with impetigo, further research is needed.

[7] Context 8: Drugs used to treat Impetigo. The medications listed below are related to or used in the treatment of this condition.

Differential Diagnosis of Impetigo

Impetigo is a highly contagious skin infection that can be challenging to diagnose, as it shares similar symptoms with other conditions. The differential diagnosis for impetigo includes several bacterial and viral infections that can present with similar clinical features.

• Bacterial skin infections:
  • Erysipelas: A sharply demarcated erythematous plaque, typically unilateral, which is a key distinguishing feature from impetigo [6].
  • Folliculitis (pustular): A bacterial infection of the hair follicles that can present with pustules and pus-filled lesions.
• Viral infections:
  • Herpes simplex virus: Can cause vesicular lesions that may resemble bullous impetigo, but typically have a more localized distribution [2].
  • Varicella (chickenpox): A viral infection that causes a characteristic rash with vesicles and crusts.
• Other conditions:
  • Atopic dermatitis: A chronic skin condition characterized by pruritic lesions and abnormally dry skin, which can be distinguished from impetigo by its marked lichenification [7].
  • Pemphigus foliaceus and pemphigus vulgaris: Autoimmune blistering diseases that can present with similar clinical features to bullous impetigo.
  • Dermatophytosis (Tinea corporis, Tinea capitis): Fungal infections of the skin that can cause lesions and scaling.

It is essential to consider these differential diagnoses when evaluating patients with suspected impetigo, as accurate diagnosis and treatment are crucial for preventing complications and promoting patient recovery.