Impetigo
Impetigo is a skin infection, caused by Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, or both, that leads to the formation of scabby, yellow-crusted sores and, sometimes, small blisters filled with yellow fluid.
Impetigo is common. It affects mostly children. Impetigo can occur anywhere on the body but most commonly occurs on the face, arms, and legs. The blisters that may form (bullous impetigo) can vary from pea-sized to large rings and can last for days to weeks. Impetigo often affects normal skin but may follow an injury or a condition that causes a break in the skin, such as a fungal infection, sunburn, or an insect bite.
Impetigo is itchy and slightly painful. The itching often leads to extensive scratching, particularly in children, which serves to spread the infection. Impetigo is very contagious--both to other areas of the person's own skin and to other people.
The infected area should be washed gently with soap and water several times a day to remove any crusts. Small areas are treated with bacitracin ointment or mupirocin cream or ointment. If large areas are involved, an antibiotic taken by mouth, such as a cephalosporin, may be needed.
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