Skin Channel
Topics
Medications
Quicklinks
Related Channels
Impetigo Skin Disease
Also called pyoderma or impetigo contagiosa, impetigo is a skin disease caused by bacteria. In most cases, this infection occurs in children between the ages of two and five. As a contagious infection, impetigo can be spread from one person to another, or from one part of the body to another. Skin-to-skin contact is the most common method of transmission.
This skin disease often begins as red, flat spots or pimple-like bumps surrounded by red skin. It may appear as a single sore; more commonly, it is multiple sores. After a couple of days, the sores form blisters and fill with pus. They then burst and form a weepy, thick, yellow, gold, or brown crust. On occasion, the blisters may leave a crater in the skin.
Impetigo is frequently found on the arms, legs, or face. It is treated with antibiotics, either applied directly to the skin (topical) or taken by mouth (oral).
(Click Impetigo for more information on this skin disease, including the causes, symptoms, and treatment options.)
|
|
|
|
Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD