SKIN INFECTIONS: IMPETIGO

This is a superficial, contagious infection of the skin sometimes known as ’school sores’. As this name suggests, it is more common amongst school-age children. It usually affects more than one person in the family or group, and seems to be more common in the summer months. Most commonly it occurs on the face, particularly about the nose and mouth. The common infective organisms is either the Staphylococcus or the streptococcus. If untreated, new lesions may continue to erupt for months.

Adequate treatment requires the administration of appropriate antibiotics by mouth. It is not sufficient to treat impetigo with applications of antiseptics or antibiotics alone. The only local treatment necessary is the washing of the skin with an antiseptic soap, and the gentle lifting off of crusts. Penicillin or Erythromycin are usually the most appropriate antibiotics, and will also help prevent possible complications of impetigo, such as infection of the kidneys.

*52\44\4*