Impetigo – bacterial skin infection
Impetigo is a type of bacterial skin infection that is characterized by vesiculopustular eruption. It mostly found in children.
Causes:
- Mainly a Gram positive bacterium – Staphylococcus aureus
Manifestations:
- honey coloured crusted erosions on erythematous (redness) base
- lesion often well defined
- sometimes, superficial flaccid blisters present
- The crust will turn brown when the lesion resolve
- Pigmentation and scaling will be the evidence of recent impetigo
- This lesion often starts around the nose and face
Diagnosis:
- Mainly done clinically
- Sample of fluid or pus can be sent for culture and sensitivity to look for organism
- Nasal culture from the family members – to determine whether nasal carriage of Staphylococcus aureus is the source of infection (up to 20%-25% of persons carry staph aureus in their nares
Management:
- Topical fusidic acid works effectively
- Systemic antibiotics (i.e.: flucloxacillin 125mg four times daily to be taken orally – in a child)
- Intranasal mupirocin ( to treat nasal carriage)
- Combination of oral antibiotics, often includes rifampicin (for nasal carriage)
Reference:
- Medical Progress Journal, February 2008.
- Oxford Handbook of Clinical Specialties. 5th edition. 2001.
Tags: flucloxacillin, fusidic acid, health, impetigo, skin infection, staphylococcus
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