Impetigo: Types, Causes, and Treatment

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Questions and Answers

A child presents with honey-colored crusts on their face. Which of the following is the most likely cause of this condition?

  • Staphylococcus aureus producing exfoliative toxins
  • Streptococcus pyogenes or a mix with Staphylococcus aureus (correct)
  • Allergic reaction to insect bites
  • Fungal infection due to heat and humidity

Which factor is least likely to contribute to an outbreak of epidemic impetigo among children?

  • Maintaining good personal hygiene (correct)
  • Sharing clothes and towels with infected individuals
  • Living in overcrowded conditions
  • Exposure to high heat and humidity

A patient is diagnosed with bullous impetigo. Which of the following characteristics primarily differentiates this condition from non-bullous impetigo?

  • Occurrence mainly in adults
  • Association with Streptococcus pyogenes
  • Formation of fluid-filled bullae (correct)
  • Presence of honey-colored crusts

Which treatment approach is most appropriate for a mild case of bullous impetigo?

<p>Topical aminoglycosides (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is the most significant risk associated with impetigo caused by nephritogenic strains of Streptococcus pyogenes?

<p>Development of acute glomerulonephritis (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A daycare center is experiencing an outbreak of impetigo. What measure would be least effective in controlling the spread of the infection?

<p>Increasing the room temperature to reduce humidity (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A culture from a patient with bullous impetigo is positive. This finding indicates what about the condition?

<p>The condition is highly contagious (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why are infants with bullous impetigo often treated with systemic antibiotics rather than topical treatments?

<p>The infection is more likely to become serious and widespread in infants (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is the most important preventative measure to minimize the spread of impetigo?

<p>Practicing good hand hygiene (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A patient presents with impetigo. After successful treatment, what advice should be given to prevent recurrence?

<p>Disinfect personal items and maintain good hygiene (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Impetigo (Pyoderma)

A superficial skin infection that starts with a small vesicle that develops and ruptures, leading to skin erosion and honey-colored crusts.

Impetigo Cause

Caused by Streptococcus pyogenes (group A strep) and/or Staphylococcus aureus.

Epidemic Impetigo factors

Heat, humidity, poor hygiene and overcrowding.

Impetigo Treatment

Penicillins or cephalosporins.

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Bullous Impetigo

Large, serum-filled blisters caused by Staphylococcus aureus producing exfoliative toxins.

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Bullous Impetigo treatment

Topical or systemic antibiotics, depending on infection severity.

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Fomites

Shared clothes or towels that transmit the bacteria.

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Impetigo complication

Acute glomerulonephritis

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Study Notes

  • Impetigo, also known as pyoderma, is a superficial skin infection.
  • Begins as a small vesicle that ruptures and spreads, leading to skin erosion.
  • Results in a serous exudate that dries into a honey-colored crust.
  • Caused by Streptococcus pyogenes (group A streptococci), sometimes mixed with S. aureus.
  • Honey-colored crusts are a key symptom.
  • Highly contagious.
  • May lead to acute glomerulonephritis if nephritogenic strains are involved.

Epidemic Impetigo

  • Occurs in children, especially in conditions of heat, humidity, poor hygiene, and overcrowding.
  • Spreads through fomites like shared clothes and towels.
  • Treatment includes penicillins or cephalosporins.
  • May lead to acute glomerulonephritis if nephritogenic strains of S. pyogenes are involved.

Bullous Impetigo

  • Caused by Staphylococcus aureus producing exfoliative toxins.
  • Most common in small children, but can occur at any age.
  • Characterized by large, serum-filled bullae (blisters) filled with clear fluid.
  • Highly contagious if the culture is positive.
  • Treatment varies: topical or systemic antibiotics depending on severity.
  • Minor infections can be treated with topical aminoglycosides, tetracyclines, macrolides, lincosamides, or mupirocin.
  • Serious cases, especially in infants, usually require systemic antimicrobial treatment.

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