What is impetigo?

Impetigo is a highly infectious condition affecting the outer layers of the skin. The condition is not very common in the UK. Commonly affects young children

What causes impetigo?

A bacterial infection

What are the symptoms?

  • Very friable vesicles
  • Commonly seen on the face
  • Very itchy and red skin in the areas affected
  • Yellow pus and crusts
  • Some patients rarely develop kidney problems after developing impetigo

How can impetigo be treated?

  • Very local infection - Saline soaks and topical (skin based) antibiotic creams
  • Widespread infection - Antibiotic tablets

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