Medical Dermatology > Impetigo

Impetigo Treatment

Impetigo is a superficial bacterial infection of the skin that commonly affects children, but it can affect all age groups. It usually presents with a local patch of itchy, crusting skin that is yellow and shines like the color of honey. Because it is caused by a bacteria, it is infectious and can be spread from person to person. Often times the bacteria that causes the infection is the same bacteria that normally lives on our skin. However, through a cut or abrasion, this bacteria tends to penetrate the skin to create this infection. In more severe cases, blistering can develop.

Treatment includes topical medicines, and in some situations, oral medicines. It is very curable with the right treatment. Sometimes your dermatologist will take a sample by swabbing the area with a Q-tip to exactly isolate the kind of bacteria causing the condition.