Page 74 - LECTURE NOTES
P. 74
4.3.4 Impetigo:
Impetigo is a superficial bacterial infection of the skin caused by
- Streptococci
- Staphylococci or
- Multiple bacteria
The lesions begin as small red macular (spot), which quickly become discrete thin
walled vesicles that soon rapture and become covered with loose adherent honey
yellow crust. The crusts are easily removed and reveal smooth, red moist surfaces on
which new crusts soon develop.
Common sites: The exposed area of the body such as, face, hands, neck and
extremities are the most frequently involved.
Note: impetigo is known to be contagious and may spread to other parts of patient’s
skin or to other members of the family who touch the patient or use towels that are
soiled with the exudates of the lesions
¾ Although impetigo is seen at all levels of ages, it is particularly common among
children living in poor hygienic conditions it also appears secondary to pediculus
capitis, scabies, herpes simplex, insect bites and eczema etc.
Common signs and symptoms:
- Small lesions which are vesicular or bullous
- Red macules followed by thin adherent honey – yellow crust
- Crust are easily removed
- Itching and oozing when vesicle is ruptured
Diagnosis and clinical finding
¾ History
¾ Physical exam (detecting of lesion)
¾ Culture gram stain
¾ Sites of involved
68
