Impetigo: Clinic, diagnosis and treatment
Medical editor: Dr Marina ALEXANDRE, Dermatologist, Avicenne Hospital, France.
By
Dr. Marina Alexandre
Key messages:
- Impetigo is a skin condition that manifests itself as erythematous lesions, especially on the face.
- It is very contagious and is transmitted by direct contact.
- It is caused by group A Streptococcus and/or Staphylococcus aureus.
- It is characterized by erythematous, vesicular and then pustular and crusty skin lesions.
- It can sometimes be confused with eczema and herpes.
- Impetigo requires a minimum of 72 hours off school and is treated with topical antibiotics.
- When treatment and hygiene measures are followed, impetigo heals quickly and without scarring.