Impetigo
Impetigo is a superficial bacterial skin infection usually caused by either Staphylcoccus aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes. These bacteria are usually present on the skin surface and infection is typically via broken skin.
Features
Management
Limited, localised disease
Extensive disease
Features
- 'golden', crusted skin lesions typically found around the mouth
- very contagious
Management
Limited, localised disease
- topical fusidic acid is first-line
- topical retapamulin is used second-line if fusidic acid has been ineffective or is not tolerated
- MRSA is not susceptible to either fusidic acid or retapamulin. Topical mupirocin (Bactroban) should therefore be used in this situation
Extensive disease
- oral flucloxacillin
- oral erythromycin if penicillin allergic
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| © Image used on license from DermNet NZ | |
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| © Image used on license from DermNet NZ | |