Last reviewed: 1 Aug 2024
Last updated: 27 Feb 2024
Summary
Definition
History and exam
Key diagnostic factors
- vesicles/bullae
- crusting
Full details
Other diagnostic factors
- erythema
- pruritus
- pain
- mucopurulent exudate
- lymphadenopathy
- fever
Full details
Risk factors
- increased humidity
- poor hygiene, malnutrition, and overcrowding
- chronic colonization with Staphylococcus aureus - nasal, axillary, pharyngeal, perineal
- concomitant skin disease
Full details
Diagnostic tests
1st tests to order
- clinical diagnosis
Full details
Tests to consider
- bacterial skin culture
Full details
Treatment algorithm
ACUTE
neonates: nonbullous impetigo
neonates: bullous impetigo
adults, children, and infants: superficial or limited infection
adults, children, and infants: widespread cutaneous lesions
adults, children, and infants: deep soft tissue infection or hematogenous spread
Contributors
Authors
Michael Freeman, MB BS, FACD, FRACGP
Dermatologist
Associate Professor
Bond University
Queensland
Australia
Disclosures
MF declares that he has no competing interests.
Acknowledgements
Dr Michael Freeman would like to gratefully acknowledge Dr Chris Del Mar, a previous contributor to this topic.
Disclosures
CDM declares that he has no competing interests.
Peer reviewers
Brian Swick, MD
Clinical Assistant Professor
University of Iowa College of Medicine
Iowa City
IA
Disclosures
BS declares that he has no competing interests.
Julian Trevino, MD
Associate Professor of Dermatology and Dermatology Residency Program Director
Boonshoft School of Medicine
Wright State University
Dayton
OH
Disclosures
Speaker's Bureau, Stiefel; Consultant, Abbott.
Differentials
- Herpes simplex
- Varicella
- Dermatophytosis (Tinea corporis, Tinea capitis)
More DifferentialsGuidelines
- Cellulitis and other bacterial skin infections
- Practice guidelines for the diagnosis and management of skin and soft tissue infections
More GuidelinesPatient information
Impetigo
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