Medical expert of the article
New publications
Impetigo
Last reviewed: 04.07.2025
All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.
[ Causes and pathogenesis of impetigo
The causative agents of the disease are streptococci and staphylococci.
The development of the disease is facilitated by microtraumas, poor skin hygiene, weakened immunity, or it occurs as a complication of various dermatoses (eczema, dermatitis, scabies, etc.)
Symptoms of impetigo
Impetigo disease begins with the appearance of erythematous spots measuring 5-10 mm. The spots quickly turn into flabby, easily opened blisters with a thin cover and cloudy contents.
The phlyctena is usually surrounded by an inflammatory areola. After the phlyctena opens, its contents dry up into light yellow thin crusts. After about 5-6 days, the crusts fall off and fresh epithelialized pink areas of skin or a focus of temporary depigmentation remain.
The lesions are most often located on the face, neck, and arms. The following clinical varieties of impetigo are distinguished: slit-like, localized in skin folds (behind the ears, in the folds of the mouth, around the nose); bullous, manifested by large blisters; syphilis-like, in which lesions appear in the genital area, similar to erosive syphilitic papules; annular, formed by centrifugal growth of the element.
What do need to examine?
How to examine?
Who to contact?
Treatment of impetigo
In mild cases of the disease, the area around the lesion is treated with a 70% alcohol solution, the blisters are opened and a solution of aniline dyes (Castellani liquid, brilliant green, etc.) is applied to the erosions. Then hemiomycin, lincomycin, erythromycin ointments are used. In severe cases or when the process has spread, antibiotics are prescribed orally or parenterally. Physiotherapeutic procedures include UV irradiation of the lesions.