Impetigo

Impetigo is a bacterial infection on the surface of the skin, characterized by honey-colored crusts and mild sores.

What is going on in the body?

Staphylococcal and streptococcal organisms are common on the skin. Warm temperatures, high humidity, and an existing skin disease can lead to overgrowth, or rapid multiplication of these organisms. This overgrowth infects the skin surface and creates the skin lesions of impetigo.

What are the causes and risks of the infection?

Impetigo is a bacterial infection caused by streptococcal or staphylococcal organisms. Scratches, cuts, or skin diseases such as eczema increase a person's risk of infection from impetigo. Impetigo can occur in people of all ages, but it is most common in children. Chronic health problems, malnutrition, or poor hygiene can cause an adult to be susceptible to the disease.

Some people may carry a common bacteria in their nasal passages and be able to spread the disease to others, although they do not have symptoms themselves.

What are the signs and symptoms of the infection?

Signs and symptoms of impetigo include the following:

Impetigo is seen most often on the hands and face, but can occur anywhere on the body.

How is the infection diagnosed?

Impetigo is diagnosed by a healthcare professional based on the appearance of the skin. Sometimes, a culture of the material from the sore will be sent to the laboratory to identify the organism.

What can be done to prevent the infection?

Benzoyl peroxide soap can help prevent impetigo in people who experience repeated bouts of impetigo.

What are the long-term effects of the infection?

Impetigo may progress to deeper skin ulcers and can spread over large areas of skin. Certain streptococcal organisms also cause kidney disease.

What are the risks to others?

Impetigo is highly contagious and spreads from person to person by direct contact with the skin lesions. It can also be spread by towels, bedding, and clothing from an infected person. Special care should be taken to avoid transmitting the infection to newborn babies.

What are the treatments for the infection?

Any crusted skin lesions of impetigo should be soaked several times a day in a solution of soap and water. After soaking the lesions for 10 minutes, the person should gently wipe off the crusts.

Antiseptic solutions, such as povidone-iodine or chlorhexidine, may be suggested to clean the skin. This cleaning reduces the number of bacteria in the area and the possibility of spreading the disease to others. Antibiotics, such as cephalexin, dicloxacillin, or mupirocin, may be taken as pills or used as an ointment on the skin lesions.

What are the side effects of the treatments?

Antibiotics may cause rash, stomach upset, or allergic reactions.

What happens after treatment for the infection?

Impetigo should clear up completely with effective treatment.

How is the infection monitored?

Any new or worsening symptoms should be reported to the healthcare provider.

Author:Lynn West, MD
Date Written:
Editor:Ballenberg, Sally, BS
Edit Date:02/28/01
Reviewer:Barbara Mallari, RN, BSN, PHN
Date Reviewed:07/27/01