Causative & risk factors
Impetigo is a contagious illness caused by infection with staphylococci or streptococci. Even though these bacteria can invade healthy skin, impetigo usually occurs in conditions where there is a break in the continuity of the skin caused by other conditions like allergies, eczema or burns.
Coming into close contact with an infected person or sharing contaminated objects such as towels, sheets or toys can lead to impetigo.
Clinical presentation
Small red sores appear on the affected part and later break open to form open blisters. Fluid oozes out of these blisters and hardens to form yellow-brown crusts. Itching may be present. Scratching these sores can lead to development of lesions on other parts of the body.
Investigations
Diagnosis can be made on the basis of visual inspection of the sores. Blood and urine tests may be carried out to eliminate other conditions. Occasionally part of the sore may be sent for microscopic analysis.
Treatment
Being a bacterial infection, impetigo is treated with antibiotics. The antibiotics may be given in the form of ointment or pills.
