Impetigo

Question 1

What is Impetigo?

Answer 1

• Impetigo is a superficial bacterial skin infection
• Typically affecting the face, flexures and limbs not covered by clothing

Question 2

What are the organisms which cause Impetigo?

Answer 2

• Staphylococcus Aureus
• Staphyloccoccus Pyogenes

Question 3

What are the features of Impetigo?

Answer 3

• Golden, crusted skin lesions found around the mouth
• Very contagious

Question 4

What is the managment for Impetigo which is a limited, localised disease?

Answer 4

• Hydrogen Peroxide 1%cream (for people who are not systemically high risk for complications)
• Topical Antibiotic Creams (topical fusidic acid, topical mupirocin (if fusidic acid resistant))

Question 5

What is the managment for Impetigo which is an extensive disease?

Answer 5

• Oral Flucloxacillin
• Oral Erythromycin

Question 6

What is the advice around School?

Answer 6

• Children should be excluded from school until the lesions are crusted and healed
  OR
• 48hours after commencing antibiotic treatment