Impetigo
Impetigo is a contagious skin infection that mostly affects children. It has the appearance of a thick, honey-colored, crusty rash and usually occurs on the face and limbs. Impetigo often happens in warm, humid conditions. Poverty, crowding, and poor personal hygiene contribute to the spread of impetigo. Impetigo infections can develop after insect bites or scrapes.
Symptoms
- Thick, honey-colored crust
- Swollen lymph nodes
Diagnosis
In addition to a visual diagnosis, doctors may do a bacterial culture to determine the type of bacteria causing the infection.
Treatment
Impetigo is mostly treated with a topical antibiotic. When impetigo infections become severe, oral antibiotics, such as penicillin, may be needed. Patients are encouraged to practice basic hygiene (eg, keeping the infection clean and covered and washing hands) and apply warm compresses to remove crust.
