Illness Spotlight:Impetigo

WHAT IS IMPETIGO?

• Bacterial skin infection

• Caused by Staphylococcus aureus, group A streptococcus, and sometimes Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus

WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE?

• Bullous impetigo leads to fluid-filled blisters on the skin

• Non-bullous impetigo causes blisters that pop and then turn into honey/yellow crusts

• Ecthyma impetigo causes ulceration with honey/yellow crusting

HOW DO YOU GET INFECTED?

• Bacteria enter through broken skin (i.e., cuts, sores, insect bites, etc.)

• More common in summer months but can happen throughout the year

IS IT CONTAGIOUS: YES!!!!

HOW DO I PREVENT IT?

• Good handwashing

• Don't pick at insect bites, scabs, cuts, etc.

• Regular bathing/showering

• Wash household towels, bedding, etc., to prevent the spread to other family members

TREATMENT

• If contained to a small area, impetigo is treated with a topical antibiotic

• If the area has spread or affects multiple parts of the body, an oral antibiotic might be necessary