Impetigo
Introduction
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Impetigo
Impetigo is a common skin condition that usually occurs in young children, although anyone can get it. Impetigo is very contagious, but generally not serious. In the UK, impetigo is the most common skin infection for young people.
The condition dates back to the 14th century, and the name impetigo is derived from the Latin word impetere, which means “to attack”.
What Is Impetigo?
Impetigo happens when bacteria such as Streptococcus pyogenes or Staphylococcus aureus infect the epidermis (outer skin layers). The areas of the body affected most often by impetigo are the face, the arms and the legs.
Children are more likely to get impetigo than adults, particularly those between the ages of 2 and 5. The infection can start in insect bites or cuts (secondary impetigo) but can also develop on healthy skin (primary impetigo).
Impetigo Symptoms
There are several impetigo symptoms to look out for, including red sores, blisters and crusty patches. We will come onto the various stages of impetigo later on this page. There are three types of impetigo:
- Nonbullous impetigo – the most common type in adults, characterized by thick crusts that are honey-colored
- Bullous impetigo – a form of impetigo that causes big blisters
- Ecthyma – a more serious type of impetigo that typically results from impetigo which has gone untreated. This type causes ulcerative sores that are entrenched into the skin’s deeper layers
Impetigo can develop anywhere but is more likely to occur in exposed areas such as the face and hands.
What Causes Impetigo?
Impetigo is caused by one, or both, of two types of bacteria; Streptococcus pyogenes and Staphylococcus aureus. These bacteria can enter the body via a break in the skin from a scratch, cut or bite, allowing them to colonies. Impetigo is contagious, and you may catch it by touching sores on the body of a person who has the infection. You could also catch impetigo by touching the clothes, sheets or towels that an infected person uses.
Staphylococcus aureus bacteria can be carried inside the nose, and then cause an impetigo infection if it spreads to the person’s skin. But because Streptococcus pyogenes or Staphylococcus aureus are common, coming into contact with them doesn’t necessarily mean you will catch impetigo.
You may be at a higher risk of impetigo if you:
- Have diabetes
- Have a weak immune system
- Live in a humid climate
- Are undergoing dialysis for kidney problems
- Have a skin condition
- Have sunburn
- Play sports that involve physical contact
- Have insect bites
- Have an infection that causes itching (such as chickenpox or lice)
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