Impetigo

Abstract

Impetigo is a common superficial bacterial infection of the skin, with a global disease burden of greater than 140 million. Children are more affected than adults and incidence decreases with age. Principal pathogens implicated include Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes. There are two common variants of impetigo: nonbullous (70%) and bullous (30%). Nonbullous impetigo is caused by S. aureus and S. pyogenes whereas bullous impetigo is caused by S. aureus. The classic appearance of distinctive honey-colored, crusted legions aids in diagnosis, which is most often based on clinical presentation. The disease is generally mild and felt to be self-limited; however, antimicrobial treatment is often initiated to reduce spread and shorten clinical course. Treatment for limited impetigo is topical whereas oral therapy is recommended for extensive cases. Rising rates of bacterial resistance to standard treatment regimens should inform treatment decisions. Complications, while rare, can occur.